U.S. and Iraqi Forces Kill ISIS Leader Abu Khadijah in Precision Airstrike
U.S. military forces, in collaboration with Iraqi intelligence and security services, have eliminated Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, also known as Abu Khadijah, a top leader of the Islamic State (ISIS), in an airstrike in western Iraq, officials confirmed.
Abu Khadijah: A Key ISIS Leader
Abu Khadijah, identified as the “Global ISIS #2 leader, Chief of Global Operations, and the Delegated Committee Emir,” was responsible for ISIS operations, logistics, and global financing, according to a statement from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), described him as “one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world.”
Airstrike in Al Anbar Province
The precision airstrike on Thursday in Al Anbar province resulted in the deaths of Abu Khadijah and another ISIS operative. U.S. and Iraqi forces found both individuals at the site, wearing unexploded suicide vests and carrying multiple weapons, CENTCOM reported.
The U.S. military confirmed Abu Khadijah’s identity through DNA collected during a previous raid, where he had narrowly escaped capture.
Trump Reacts to ISIS Leader’s Death
Former U.S. President Donald Trump celebrated the operation, posting on social media:
“The fugitive leader of ISIS in Iraq was killed. He was relentlessly hunted down by our intrepid warfighters. His miserable life was terminated, along with another member of ISIS, in coordination with the Iraqi Government and the Kurdish Regional Government. PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH!”
Ongoing Fight Against ISIS
Despite suffering major defeats nearly six years ago at the hands of a U.S.-led coalition, ISIS remains a global threat, with cells active in Africa, Asia, and Europe. The group has continued to inspire and support terror attacks, particularly in Europe and Russia.
Iraq’s PM al-Sudani praised the operation, stating:
“The Iraqis continue their impressive victories over the forces of darkness and terrorism.”