The Iraqi Prime Minister announced that a prominent Islamic State leader was killed in a joint operation with US forces, marking a significant blow to the terror group's operations in the region. Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifa, nicknamed Abu Khadija, was known for his high-ranking role within the group, overseeing crucial operational and financial aspects.
Key Islamic State Leader Killed in Joint U.S.-Iraqi Operation
Key Islamic State Leader Killed in Joint U.S.-Iraqi Operation
A senior member of the Islamic State, Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifa, known as Abu Khadija, has been killed during a coordinated military operation in Iraq.
A senior Islamic State (IS) leader, Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifa, also known as Abu Khadija, has been killed in a military operation conducted by the Iraqi national intelligence service alongside US-led coalition forces, according to Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. Prime Minister al-Sudani characterized al-Rifa as one of the most dangerous terrorists both in Iraq and globally.
US President Donald Trump commended coalition forces for their persistence in locating al-Rifa, stating on his Truth Social platform that "he was relentlessly hunted down by our intrepid warfighters". The operation took place in Al Anbar province of Iraq and was confirmed by the US Central Command (Centcom), which shared footage of the strike on social media.
Al-Rifa held a significant position as the head of IS's senior decision-making authority, handling operations, logistics, and planning for the group's activities worldwide, including a considerable share of its financial management. He was killed along with another IS member who was armed with a suicide vest and other weapons.
Centcom officials noted that al-Rifa was identified via DNA analysis from a previous encounter where he managed to evade capture, underscoring the persistent efforts to dismantle IS networks. Gen Michael Erik Kurilla emphasized the importance of targeting such figures, stating, "We will continue to kill terrorists and dismantle their organizations that threaten our homeland and US, allied and partner personnel in the region and beyond."
Despite the territorial losses suffered by IS since Iraq declared its defeat in December 2017, remnants of the group and sleeper cells remain active, carrying out sporadic attacks against security forces. Local forces, especially in areas where IS was once dominant, have warned that the threat of resurgence by the group persists, highlighting the ongoing challenge faced in maintaining stability in Iraq and the larger region.
