Army's elite Delta Force operations to target, capture or kill top ISIS operatives have begun in Iraq, after several weeks of covert preparation, an official with direct knowledge of the force's activities was quoted as saying by CNN.
The official said the group has spent the last several weeks preparing, including setting up safe houses, establishing informant networks and coordinating operations with Iraqi and Peshmerga units.
It is the same strategy that Special Operations forces have used in previous deployments to combat zones.
It said the plan is to gather enough intelligence to stage raids on terror compounds and hideouts.
Then from intelligence gathered at those sites, such as laptops and cellphones, forces will try to learn more about ISIS networks and quickly attack additional related targets.
It is a strategy that worked in May 2015, when Delta raided a compound in Syria, killing ISIS operative Abu Sayyaf and capturing his wife, the report said.
The Expeditionary Targeting Force which numbers about 200 personnel -- has collected enough intelligence now about ISIS operations in Iraq in up to half a dozen locations that raids and field operations are ready inside Iraq, the report said.
But Defense Secretary Ash Carter seemed to confirm in comments made at the Pentagon yesterday that the Special Operations forces had begun missions.
"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," he said during a press conference.
According to Carter, the force will conduct raids, seize places and people, and free ISIS-held hostages and prisoners.
Carter also said that the force would cause ISIS "to fear that anywhere, anytime, it may be struck."
While the ETF is not yet operating in Syria, a separate group of about 50 US special forces have greatly expanded their initial operations there in recent weeks after the Pentagon announced they were going to Syria.