### Airstrike Kills Senior Islamic State Leader in Joint Iraqi-U.S. Operation

### In a significant joint operation, Iraqi and U.S. forces eliminated a senior Islamic State leader, reflecting ongoing challenges in containing the group’s resurgence.

An airstrike conducted by joint Iraqi and U.S. forces resulted in the death of a high-ranking Islamic State leader on Friday, with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani labeling him as “one of the most dangerous terrorists in the world.” The target, Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rufay’i, also known as Abu Khadija, was believed to oversee operations for the militant group in both Iraq and Syria.

This intelligence-led operation took place in Anbar Province, where special operations forces from both nations were present to gather evidence from the strike site. The aftermath of the operation highlights an upsurge in attacks attributed to the Islamic State, with over 300 incidents recorded in Syria in 2024 alone, showing the group’s ongoing capability to inflict violence even after losing significant territory nearly six years ago.

The attack consolidates efforts made by Iraqi forces, supported by U.S. military assets, in dismantling Islamic State operations within Iraq. Since 2019, authorities in Iraq have intensified their anti-terrorism campaigns, which have successfully disrupted numerous terrorist cells.

Al-Rufay’i's death marks the third senior leader of the Islamic State to be killed in the region since 2019, a period during which the group has adapted and expanded its operations despite territorial losses. According to a recent United Nations report, Al-Rufay’i was involved in coordinating efforts among Islamic State fighters across Iraq, Syria, and Turkey, underlining his strategic importance within the ailing organization.

While the group continues to appoint new leaders rapidly, the structure of the Islamic State has evolved with affiliates now present in over a dozen countries across multiple continents. Experts suggest that while many operations, particularly in media, remain centralized, the affiliates are increasingly autonomous in carrying out attacks, including recent incidents in Russia and Iran attributed to operatives linked with IS-Khorasan, an affiliate based in Afghanistan.

This strike represents a critical moment in the ongoing battle against the Islamic State, echoing the complex and fluid landscape of terrorism in the region, as security forces combat an organization intent on remobilization. The situation remains dynamic, with further developments anticipated as counter-terrorism operations continue.