The death of Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, a key figure within the Islamic State group, has been confirmed by both US Central Command and the Iraqi Prime Minister. The operation underscores the ongoing efforts by coalition forces to dismantle IS's operational capabilities, despite claims of the group being defeated in recent years.
Senior Islamic State Leader Killed in US-Iraqi Operation
Senior Islamic State Leader Killed in US-Iraqi Operation
The US and Iraqi forces have successfully targeted and killed a significant Islamic State leader in a coordinated operation, marking a notable achievement in the fight against the extremist group.
In a significant development in the battle against the Islamic State (IS), a high-ranking leader known as Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, or Abu Khadijah, has been killed in a coordinated operation involving the Iraqi intelligence service and US-led coalition forces. This information was revealed by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who labeled Rifai as one of the "most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world."
The US Central Command (Centcom) reported that a precise airstrike conducted in Iraq’s Al Anbar province resulted in the elimination of Rifai, who was responsible for IS’s senior decision-making processes, including operations, logistics, and global strategic planning. He played a pivotal role in managing the financial aspects of the group’s international activities.
US President Donald Trump acknowledged the operation, highlighting the dedicated efforts of US forces that led to Rifai's downfall. He expressed confidence in the mission's success, stating through his Truth Social platform that "his miserable life was terminated," and emphasized the collaboration with both the Iraqi government and the Kurdish Regional Government.
Following the operation, it was reported that Rifai was discovered alongside another operative, both of whom were equipped with unexploded suicide vests and weapons. Centcom officials clarified that they had tracked Rifai down using DNA evidence collected during a prior raid from which he had previously escaped.
General Michael Erik Kurilla remarked on the importance of Rifai's leadership role within IS, pledging to continue efforts to eliminate terrorists and diminish groups that threaten regional and global security. Despite the claim by Iraq that IS was defeated in December 2017 and its final territorial loss in 2019, the group still harbors militants and sleeper cells that pose ongoing risks to the region, as noted by Iraqi security forces and local analysts.
