The United States, in coordination with Iraqi Intelligence and Security Forces, has announced the killing of Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, also known as “Abu Khadijah,” in a precision airstrike in Iraq’s Al Anbar Province. Abu Khadijah was the Chief of Global Operations for the Islamic State (ISIS) and held the position of the group’s second-in-command worldwide. Another ISIS operative was also killed in the strike.
Abu Khadijah Was Overseeing ISIS Global Operations
According to US military officials, Abu Khadijah was responsible for overseeing ISIS’ global logistics, planning, and financial management.
Following the airstrike, US Central Command (CENTCOM) and Iraqi forces arrived at the site and confirmed the deaths of Abu Khadijah and the other ISIS fighter. CENTCOM reported that both men were found wearing unexploded suicide vests and were heavily armed. The identity of Abu Khadijah was confirmed through a DNA match with samples collected during an earlier raid, in which he had narrowly escaped capture.
Also Read: Indian Full Bright scholar self deports amidst Pro Palestine controversy ,visa cancelled by US
US Military: “We Will Continue to Eliminate Terrorists”
General Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of US Central Command, stated:
“Abu Khadijah was one of the most important ISIS members in the entire global ISIS organization. We will continue to kill terrorists and dismantle their organizations that threaten our homeland and U.S., allied, and partner personnel in the region and beyond.”
Also Read: Khalistani terrorist caught along with huge cache of arms, explosives; has ISI, Babbar Khalsa links, say cops
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani praised the operation, calling Abu Khadijah “one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world.” In a post on social media platform X, he confirmed that the mission was carried out with support from the US-led coalition.
US Had Sanctioned Abu Khadijah in 2023
The US had previously sanctioned Abu Khadijah in 2023, identifying him as the so-called governor of ISIS-controlled territories in Iraq and Syria. He was also responsible for directing the group’s foreign operations. Despite ISIS’ territorial defeat in Iraq in 2017, the group has remained active in the region, launching sporadic attacks on Iraqi security forces.
Abu Khadija’s car after the air strike [Source/X]
“Today 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!”
ISIS Remnants Still Active in Iraq and Syria
After years of military operations led by Iraqi forces and the US-backed international coalition, ISIS was largely dismantled by 2017 in Iraq and by 2019 in Syria. However, the group’s fighters remain active, particularly in remote areas of both countries.
Currently, approximately 2,500 US troops remain stationed in Iraq to support counterterrorism efforts and train Iraqi security forces.
