Aerial footage shows debris scattered around the site of the US raid. Getty Images


March 15, 2025 Tags: , ,

A top leader of the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq and Syria has been killed in a joint operation by Iraqi intelligence and US-led coalition forces, according to Iraq’s prime minister.

The militant, Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifa, also known as Abu Khadija, was regarded as one of the most dangerous terrorists in the world. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed his death, highlighting the significance of the mission.

The US military also confirmed the strike in Iraq’s Al Anbar province. A video of the operation was shared by US Central Command (Centcom), showing the moment the attack took place.

According to Centcom, Abu Khadija played a key role in IS operations. He led the group’s highest decision-making body and oversaw logistics, planning, and funding for IS activities worldwide. His death is considered a major blow to the group’s leadership.

US officials say he was responsible for directing significant financial resources to IS. The strike also resulted in the death of another IS operative. Both militants were found wearing unexploded suicide vests and carrying weapons, Centcom reported.

US President Donald Trump commented on the operation, saying: “His miserable life was terminated, along with another member of ISIS, in coordination with the Iraqi Government and the Kurdish Regional Government. PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH!”

Abu Khadija’s identity was confirmed through DNA matching. The sample was collected from a previous raid where he had narrowly escaped.

Gen Michael Erik Kurilla of Centcom described Abu Khadija as one of the most influential IS leaders. “We will continue to kill terrorists and dismantle their organizations that threaten our homeland and US, allied, and partner personnel,” he stated.

IS Threat Remains

Though IS lost control of its vast territory in Iraq and Syria, the group still poses a security threat. At its peak, IS controlled large parts of both countries and ruled over millions of people. Iraq declared victory over IS in 2017, and the group lost its last stronghold in 2019. However, IS militants continue to operate in different areas, launching sporadic attacks on Iraqi security forces.

The killing of Abu Khadija is expected to weaken IS operations, but security experts warn that the group remains active through sleeper cells and hidden networks.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

You may also like

Cuba Faces Another Massive Blackout, Millions Left Without Power

A massive power outage hit Cuba on Friday night, plunging millions into darkness. The blackout affected Havana and several other....

UN chief launches 'UN80 Initiative' to strengthen global efforts

The United Nations is working to improve efficiency and cut costs as it marks its 80th anniversary. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres....

Hijacked Pakistan train arrives in Quetta, bringing hostage ordeal to end

A dramatic train hijacking in southwest Pakistan came to an end on Thursday when security forces eliminated all 33 militants....

Russia Sets Terms for U.S. Talks on Ukraine Conflict, Sources say

Russia has given the U.S. a list of conditions for a possible deal to end the war in Ukraine and....

Militants Hijack Train in Pakistan, Kill 10, Take Hostages

A violent attack in Pakistan’s Balochistan province left at least 10 people dead after separatist militants hijacked a passenger train....

Greenland’s opposition party wins election amid Trump-fueled debate

Greenland’s opposition party, Demokraatit, won Tuesday’s election with 29.9% of the vote. This closely watched election gained international attention after....

UK Played Key Role in Ukraine-US Ceasefire Talks

The UK played a crucial role in helping Ukraine and the US come to an agreement on a proposed ceasefire....

Ukraine strikes Moscow with massive drone attack, Russia reports

Ukraine launched a major drone attack on Moscow early Wednesday, causing fires and damaging buildings. Officials say this may be....

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Arrested Over Drug War

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested following an international warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The....

Pope Francis Shows Improvement but Still Under Medical Care, Says Vatican

Pope Francis is recovering from a lung infection that led to his hospitalization in mid-February. A Vatican source said on....

Australia Offers Aid to Workers Affected by Cyclone Alfred

The Australian government will provide financial assistance to workers who lost income due to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. The storm caused....

South Korean Prosecutors Still Pursuing Yoon’s Conviction

South Korean prosecutors are determined to convict President Yoon Suk Yeol for insurrection, even after a court ordered his release....