Key Points:
- ISIS leader Abdullah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, aka Abu Khadija, killed in precision airstrike in Iraq
- Operation conducted by US Central Command and Iraqi security forces in Al Anbar province
- Abu Khadija was ISIS’s second-in-command and chief of global operations
- DNA evidence confirmed his identity; unexploded suicide vests found on bodies
- Iraqi PM and US President Trump hail the operation as a significant victory against terrorism
Washington D.C.: In a major counter-terrorism operation, the United States and Iraqi security forces successfully eliminated Abdullah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, also known as Abu Khadija, one of the most dangerous leaders of the Islamic State (ISIS). The precision airstrike, carried out in Iraq’s Al Anbar province on March 13, marks a significant blow to ISIS’s leadership and operational capabilities.
Details of the Operation
Abu Khadija, who held the title of ISIS’s Deputy Caliph and Chief of Global Operations, was targeted in a meticulously planned strike coordinated by US Central Command (CENTCOM) and Iraqi forces. According to CENTCOM officials, Abu Khadija was responsible for overseeing logistics, planning, and financial management for ISIS globally. He was also considered a potential successor for the position of ISIS’s global leader.
The strike also killed another unidentified ISIS operative. Both terrorists were found wearing unexploded suicide vests and carrying multiple weapons. DNA evidence collected during a prior raid confirmed Abu Khadija’s identity at the site.
General Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM, emphasized the significance of this operation: “Abu Khadija was one of the most important members in ISIS’s global organization. We will continue dismantling terrorist networks that threaten our homeland and allied personnel.”
Reactions from Leaders
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani described Abu Khadija as “one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world.” He praised the joint efforts of Iraqi forces and the US-led coalition in combating terrorism. The operation coincided with Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani’s visit to Iraq, where both nations pledged enhanced cooperation against ISIS remnants.
US President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform to announce the success of the operation. “Today, the fugitive leader of ISIS in Iraq was killed. He was relentlessly hunted down by our intrepid warfighters,” Trump wrote. He further highlighted the collaborative nature of the mission, stating that it was conducted with coordination from Iraqi and Kurdish governments.
The White House also released footage of the strike with the caption: “President Trump Terminates ISIS Leader in Targeted Strike.”
Abu Khadija’s Role in ISIS
Born in 1991 in Iraq’s Salah ad Din province, Abu Khadija joined al-Qaeda in 2009 before rising through ISIS ranks following his escape from Tasfirat prison in 2011. He played a critical role in ISIS operations during its territorial expansion across Iraq and Syria, eventually becoming one of its top leaders.
As head of ISIS’s General Directorate of Provinces, Abu Khadija orchestrated attacks globally while attempting to rebuild ISIS’s influence after its territorial defeat in Iraq in 2017. His death is expected to further destabilize an already fractured leadership within the terror group.
Significance of the Strike
The elimination of Abu Khadija is seen as a major victory against terrorism, particularly as ISIS continues to operate through scattered cells across the Middle East. While its territorial control has diminished significantly since 2017, sporadic attacks by ISIS affiliates remain a persistent threat.
This operation underscores ongoing efforts by US-led coalitions and regional governments to suppress terrorism and prevent any resurgence of extremist groups like ISIS. Security agencies remain vigilant as they continue dismantling networks that threaten global peace and stability.
