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U.S. soldier killed in Iraq military operation

Sgt. Joshua Wheeler
Sgt. Joshua Wheeler
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Defense announced the death of a U.S. soldier who was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq.

Master Sgt. Joshua L. Wheeler, 39, of Roland, Oklahoma, died Oct. 22, in Kirkuk Province, Iraq, from wounds received by enemy small-arms fire during an operation. He was assigned Headquarters U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

“Yesterday, the United States of America lost one of her finest warriors doing what American troops do best — protecting those who cannot protect themselves. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of this brave Soldier,” said Lt. Gen. Sean B. MacFarland, commander of the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve.

“We are proud of the combined forces who conducted the mission to rescue these Iraqi hostages. Their courage, skill, and sacrifice narrowly prevented yet another brutal massacre by Daesh murderers.”

MacFarland re-iterated that “It is important to realize that U.S. military support to this Iraqi rescue operation is part of our overarching counter-terrorism efforts throughout the region and does not represent a change in our policy. U.S. forces are not in Iraq on a combat mission and do not have boots on the ground.”

On Thursday in Iraq, at the request of the Kurdistan Regional Government, U.S. Special Operations Forces supported an Iraqi Peshmerga operation to rescue hostages at an ISIL prison near Hawijah, Iraq.

This operation was deliberately planned and launched after receiving information that the hostages faced imminent mass execution. It was authorized consistent with our counter-ISIL effort to train, advise, and assist Iraqi forces.

The U.S. provided helicopter lift and accompanied Iraqi Peshmerga forces to the compound. Approximately 70 hostages were rescued including more than 20 members of the Iraqi Security Forces. Five ISIL terrorists were detained by the Iraqis and a number of ISIL terrorists were killed as well. In addition, the U.S. recovered important intelligence about ISIL.

One U.S. service member – Wheeler – was wounded during the rescue mission acting in support of Iraqi Peshmerga forces after they came under fire by ISIL. He subsequently died after receiving medical care. In addition, four Peshmerga soldiers were wounded.

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