After several weeks of preparations, the U.S. Army's elite Delta Force of 200 troops has begun ground operations in Iraq to target, capture and/or kill top Islamic State group operatives, a high-level Washington official told CNN.
U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter apparently confirmed the start of the ground operations by saying, "The only thing I'll say is the (Expeditionary Targeting Force) is in position, it is having an effect and operating, and I expect it to be a very effective part of our acceleration campaign," CNN added.
The elite force, according to Carter, will conduct raids, seize places and people, and free Islamic State group-held hostages and prisoners. The defense secretary also told reporters that the force would instill “fear” among IS extremists “that anywhere, anytime, they may be struck."
A U.S. official told CNN that Carter's statement confirms that Delta operations have begun.
U.S. officials suggested that the ground operations by the so-called Expedtionary Targeting Force could expand to Syria, but refused to give further details.
CNN said they learned that Delta Force plans to replicate the strategy Special Operations forces have used for years in Iraq and Afghanistan, which is based on gathering enough intelligence to stage raids on terror compounds and hideouts.
They went on to say that from intelligence gathered at the raided sites, such as laptops and cellphones, forces will try to rapidly learn more about IS networks and immediately attack further related targets.