A senior member of the Islamic State (IS), Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifa, commonly known as Abu Khadija, was killed during a coordinated effort between the Iraqi national intelligence service and US-led forces. The operation took place in Iraq’s Al Anbar province, as confirmed by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.
Islamic State Leader Abu Khadija Killed in Joint Operation
Islamic State Leader Abu Khadija Killed in Joint Operation
A pivotal figure in the Islamic State has been eliminated in a significant international military operation.
Al-Rifa was recognized as a dangerous terrorist and a key player in IS's decision-making. His leadership role involved overseeing logistics, planning, and directing substantial financial operations for the IS organization on a global scale. President Donald Trump commented on the operation, stating that it was carried out meticulously by US forces. A video shared by the US Central Command (Centcom) illustrated the extent of the operation.
The airstrike yielded the deaths of Al-Rifa and another IS operative, both of whom were equipped with unexploded suicide vests and several weapons. Authorities were able to identify Al-Rifa through DNA evidence collected in a previous raid from which he narrowly escaped. General Michael Erik Kurilla emphasized the significance of Al-Rifa’s removal from IS, stating it should send a clear message regarding the continued commitment to dismantle terrorist threats.
Despite the territorial defeat of the Islamic State in late 2017, the group has persisted through sleeper cells and ongoing sporadic attacks. Concerns have been raised regarding a possible resurgence of IS activity, especially from regions like Syria. With Al-Rifa’s death, officials aim to further disrupt IS's operations and mitigate threats against the US and allies in the region.
The Islamic State once controlled vast territories amounting to 88,000 square kilometers, affecting millions. While officially defeated, ongoing vigilance remains critical in managing the remnants of IS.
The airstrike yielded the deaths of Al-Rifa and another IS operative, both of whom were equipped with unexploded suicide vests and several weapons. Authorities were able to identify Al-Rifa through DNA evidence collected in a previous raid from which he narrowly escaped. General Michael Erik Kurilla emphasized the significance of Al-Rifa’s removal from IS, stating it should send a clear message regarding the continued commitment to dismantle terrorist threats.
Despite the territorial defeat of the Islamic State in late 2017, the group has persisted through sleeper cells and ongoing sporadic attacks. Concerns have been raised regarding a possible resurgence of IS activity, especially from regions like Syria. With Al-Rifa’s death, officials aim to further disrupt IS's operations and mitigate threats against the US and allies in the region.
The Islamic State once controlled vast territories amounting to 88,000 square kilometers, affecting millions. While officially defeated, ongoing vigilance remains critical in managing the remnants of IS.
