U.S. GROUND FORCES ENGAGE ISIS - No U.S. casualties reported

U.S. ground forces have finally clashed with the Islamic State in Iraq and defeated them handily, aided by F-18 fighter jets. The clash took place Sunday following an attack on an Iraqi airbase where American troops were stationed. Several enemy fighters were killed, despite fighting, no Americans suffered casualties.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - The event has not been publicized in the media, but the first clash between American ground forces and the Islamic State has resulted in a quick victory. Last Sunday, Islamic State forces attempted to capture the Ein al-Asad airbase in Iraq. They enjoyed an initial success, attacking by surprise, but once the 100 American troops stationed there were given permission to engage, the terrorists were repulsed.

The firefight lasted approximately two hours and American troops were closely supported by F-18 jets which dropped ordinance on Islamic State positions. Several Islamic State fighters were killed by the defending American forces and the terrorists were forced to retreat.

Pray for our troops.

The size of the Islamic State force remains unknown. The Ein Al-Asad base is located in northwestern Iraq, several hours drive from Baghdad and near the edge of Islamic State controlled territory in the Anbar province.

Although this battle and others led by Peshmerga forces have succeeded in gaining ground against the Islamic State, very little has been reported in the media.

This first clash between American and Islamic State forces is a good indicator of how American forces might perform in a pitched battle against the terrorists. The U.S. military is optimized for large-scale, set-piece battles on open terrain. Superior training, motivation, and equipment means that American forces are virtually invincible. Command and Control and Coordination (CCC) are real-time and allow commanders to execute immediate shifts in tactics as the enemy feebly attempts to respond to changes on the battlefield.

While the Islamic State fighters are quite motivated and often fueled by narcotics which embolden them, they are hapless against American air power and other advanced technologies. American troops are also trained to fight against insurgents and irregular militias, which is the best the Islamic State can aspire to.

While it would be best that the situation in Iraq resolve without further conflict, that is very much in the realm of hope. The next best thing we can ask is that innocent people and those fighting on the side of justice be protected and kept from harm as evil seeks dominion over the land.

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