One of the Most Dangerous Terrorists Killed, Iraq PM Says

A senior leader of the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq and Syria, Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, also known as Abu Khadijah, has been killed in a joint operation by the Iraqi national intelligence service and US-led coalition forces. 

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani

The announcement was made by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who described Rifai as “one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world.”

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the operation involved a precision airstrike in Iraq’s western Al Anbar province on March 13. Rifai, considered the second-in-command of IS globally and head of its most senior decision-making body, was killed alongside another IS operative. CENTCOM stated that Rifai was responsible for overseeing IS’s global operations, logistics, strategic planning, and financial management.

“Abu Khadijah was one of the most important IS members in the entire global organization,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, Commander of CENTCOM. “We will continue to kill terrorists and dismantle their organizations that threaten our homeland and allied personnel.”

The strike site was secured by CENTCOM and Iraqi forces, who confirmed Rifai’s identity through DNA analysis from samples collected during a previous raid where he narrowly escaped capture. Both Rifai and his associate were found wearing unexploded suicide vests and carrying multiple weapons.

US President Donald Trump praised the operation on his Truth Social platform, stating: “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!”

Rifai’s death marks a significant blow to IS leadership. As the Emir of its decision-making body, he played a critical role in directing global operations and financing for the group’s activities. His elimination is expected to disrupt IS’s operational capabilities both regionally and internationally.

Despite being driven from its last territorial stronghold in 2019, IS remains active through sleeper cells that continue to carry out sporadic attacks across Iraq. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) emphasized that while this operation weakens IS leadership, the group still poses a threat.

The successful operation highlights ongoing collaboration between Iraqi forces, US-led coalition forces, and Kurdish authorities to combat IS. Abdul Khaliq Talaat, a representative of the KRG’s Joint Forces Command, noted that coordination between Peshmerga forces and Iraqi counter-terrorism units has significantly weakened IS activities in key areas.

The elimination of Abu Khadijah is seen as a critical step in dismantling IS networks but also underscores the need for continued vigilance against the group’s resurgence.