The leader of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, was killed in a US-Iraqi military operation, marking a notable shift in the fight against terrorism.
Key Islamic State Leader Neutralized in Joint Operation
Key Islamic State Leader Neutralized in Joint Operation
A significant blow to Islamic State arises as US-led forces collaborate with Iraqi intelligence to eliminate a top terrorist figure.
In a strategic military operation, Iraqi national intelligence in cooperation with US-led coalition forces successfully eliminated a senior leader of the Islamic State (IS) group, Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, during an airstrike in western Al Anbar province, according to statements from Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. Known as Abu Khadijah, he was labeled as one of the most significant terrorists operating in the region and globally.
US President Donald Trump hailed the success of the operation, stating that al-Rifai was relentlessly pursued by courageous military personnel. The US Central Command (Centcom) confirmed the precision strike, underscoring al-Rifai's role as the chief of IS's decision-making body, responsible for logistics, operations, and global planning for the group. Furthermore, he managed a considerable portion of IS's financial resources.
Trump’s remarks on his social media platform emphasized that al-Rifai's life ended in collaboration with the Iraqi government and the Kurdish authorities, promoting a message of "PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH". The operation also resulted in the death of another IS operative alongside al-Rifai. Centcom reported that both were found wearing unexploded suicide vests and equipped with various weapons.
The critical identification of al-Rifai was made possible via a DNA match from a previous encounter where he narrowly evaded capture. Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla remarked on the significance of al-Rifai's status within IS, asserting continued efforts to dismantle terrorist threats that endanger the US and its allies.
Despite the declaration of IS's defeat in Iraq in December 2017 and the loss of their last territory in 2019, remnants and sleeper cells still pose a threat, executing sporadic attacks against Iraqi security forces and police. Concerns grow as officials warn that the risk of IS resurgence has notably increased in light of recent developments.
US President Donald Trump hailed the success of the operation, stating that al-Rifai was relentlessly pursued by courageous military personnel. The US Central Command (Centcom) confirmed the precision strike, underscoring al-Rifai's role as the chief of IS's decision-making body, responsible for logistics, operations, and global planning for the group. Furthermore, he managed a considerable portion of IS's financial resources.
Trump’s remarks on his social media platform emphasized that al-Rifai's life ended in collaboration with the Iraqi government and the Kurdish authorities, promoting a message of "PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH". The operation also resulted in the death of another IS operative alongside al-Rifai. Centcom reported that both were found wearing unexploded suicide vests and equipped with various weapons.
The critical identification of al-Rifai was made possible via a DNA match from a previous encounter where he narrowly evaded capture. Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla remarked on the significance of al-Rifai's status within IS, asserting continued efforts to dismantle terrorist threats that endanger the US and its allies.
Despite the declaration of IS's defeat in Iraq in December 2017 and the loss of their last territory in 2019, remnants and sleeper cells still pose a threat, executing sporadic attacks against Iraqi security forces and police. Concerns grow as officials warn that the risk of IS resurgence has notably increased in light of recent developments.
