Baghdad: In a significant counter-terrorism operation, Iraqi forces killed nine terrorists, including seven suicide bombers, in the Rutba area of western Iraq. The operation, carried out by the Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS), was part of a larger effort to combat insurgency in the region. According to National Iraqi News Agency, the CTS announced that the operation was conducted under the directives of Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. The operation involved a strategic landing in the Kara desert area, north of Rutba district in Anbar Governorate, where security forces engaged in a confrontation that led to the elimination of the terrorists. The operation also resulted in the destruction of weapons, ammunition, and various equipment used by the terrorists. The CTS statement highlighted the role of international coalition forces, which provided air and technical support during the mission. The operation was coordinated with the Joint Operations Command and remains ongoing as f orces continue to search the area for additional threats.