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