Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifa, a senior Islamic State leader, was killed in a collaborative operation between the Iraqi intelligence service and US-led coalition forces. Both governments aim to dismantle IS operations, despite the group's continued presence in Iraq and Syria.
Senior Islamic State Figure Killed in Joint Operation in Iraq
Senior Islamic State Figure Killed in Joint Operation in Iraq
The US and Iraqi forces have successfully eliminated a top leader of the Islamic State, highlighting ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the region.
A significant blow has been dealt to the Islamic State (IS) as the Iraqi prime minister announced the death of Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifa, also known as Abu Khadija, during a successful operation conducted by Iraqi national intelligence and US-led coalition forces. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani described al-Rifa as one of the most dangerous terrorists operating in Iraq and around the globe.
US President Donald Trump weighed in on the operation, stating that al-Rifa was "relentlessly hunted down by our intrepid warfighters." The operation occurred in Iraq's western Al Anbar province on Thursday, with US Central Command (Centcom) releasing video footage purportedly showing the strike. Al-Rifa held a crucial position within IS, overseeing major aspects of operations, logistics, and global planning, as well as directing significant financial resources for the terror group's activities.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump noted the collaborative effort in eliminating al-Rifa, who was found dead alongside another IS member. Centcom reported that both individuals were found armed and wearing unexploded suicide vests during the operation. The successful identification of al-Rifa was aided by a DNA match collected during a prior encounter where he narrowly escaped capture.
According to General Michael Erik Kurilla, Abu Khadijah was a pivotal figure in IS, and the focus on eliminating such threats will persist to protect the US and its allies in the region. Despite Iraq declaring victory over the Islamic State in December 2017 and driving the group from its last territory in 2019, fears remain concerning the resurgence of militants and sleeper cells, as sporadic attacks against Iraqi security forces continue.
The situation remains complex, as leaders — including those in Syria — warn that the potential for an IS comeback is significant, underlining the ongoing challenges for stability in the Middle East.
