The United States has conducted a precision airstrike in Iraq’s Al Anbar Province, eliminating Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, also known as Abu Khadijah, a key leader of the so-called Islamic State (ISIS).
Abu Khadijah was the Chief of Global Operations for the terror group and its second-in-command worldwide. The strike, carried out on March 13 in coordination with Iraqi Intelligence and Security Forces, also killed another ISIS operative.
According to US military officials, Abu Khadijah was responsible for overseeing ISIS’ global logistics, operational planning, and financial networks.
His elimination marks a significant blow to the organisation, which has continued to pose a security threat despite the loss of its territorial strongholds in Iraq and Syria.
Following the airstrike, US Central Command (CENTCOM) and Iraqi forces arrived at the site and confirmed the deaths of Abu Khadijah and the other militant. Both were found wearing unexploded suicide vests and were armed with multiple weapons.
DNA analysis later verified Abu Khadijah’s identity, using samples collected from an earlier raid in which he had previously escaped capture.
General Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of US Central Command, described Abu Khadijah as one of the most significant figures in the global ISIS network. He reaffirmed the US’ commitment to targeting terrorists who pose a threat to its allies and personnel in the region.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani hailed the operation as a major victory against terrorism. He described Abu Khadijah as “one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world” and confirmed that the operation was conducted with support from the US-led coalition.
In 2023, the US had sanctioned Abu Khadijah, identifying him as the ISIS governor of territories in Iraq and Syria. He was also believed to be directly involved in orchestrating foreign operations for the group.
Despite the territorial defeat of ISIS in Iraq in 2017, remnants of the group have continued to launch sporadic attacks on security forces and civilians.
Former US President Donald Trump also commented on the development, stating that the ISIS leader had been “relentlessly hunted down” and that his death marked a significant victory in the fight against terrorism. He reiterated his stance of “peace through strength” in counterterrorism efforts.
Although ISIS no longer holds large territories, its sleeper cells continue to operate in Iraq and Syria. The US maintains approximately 2,500 troops in Iraq to support counterterrorism missions and assist in training local forces.
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