A masked Islamic State soldier poses holding the ISIL banner somewhere in the deserts of Iraq or Syria.(Photo by: Pictures from History/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
EPICSTORIAN — A joint operation by US and Iraqi forces has eliminated ISIS leader Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, also known as Abu Khadijah, in a precision airstrike in Iraq’s Al Anbar province.
The precision airstrike in Iraq’s Al Anbar province targeted the militant, identified as the “Chief of Global Operations and Delegated Committee Emir.”
ISIS Leader Eliminated in Joint US-Iraqi Operation
Abu Khadijah and another ISIS operative were found dead at the strike location, both wearing suicide vests that remained unexploded. US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the strike, stating that weapons were also recovered from the site.
DNA analysis later verified the identity of Abu Khadijah, matching samples from a previous raid where he had narrowly escaped.
US and Iraqi Leaders Confirm Operation Success
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani described Abu Khadijah as “one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world” and emphasized that Iraqi forces remain committed to dismantling ISIS networks.
President Donald Trump praised the operation in a social media post, writing, “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 ISIS Threat Despite Leadership Losses
ISIS continues to operate across multiple regions, carrying out attacks despite the loss of its former stronghold. Earlier this year, the group claimed responsibility for an attack on a Moscow shopping mall, which resulted in over 150 deaths and hundreds of injuries.
Iraq’s military has been working closely with international partners to prevent ISIS from regaining strength. Al-Sudani reaffirmed Iraq’s determination to continue security operations, stating, “The Iraqis continue their impressive victories over the forces of darkness and terrorism.”
Regional Cooperation Against Terrorism
The announcement of Abu Khadijah’s death coincided with diplomatic meetings between Iraq and Syria.
Officials from both nations discussed efforts to combat terrorism, emphasizing the need for continued security cooperation.
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ISIS remains active in remote areas, and intelligence reports indicate that instability in Syria could allow the group to expand operations.
US and Iraqi forces continue surveillance and targeted strikes to prevent a resurgence.
