Abu Khadija, the ISIS chief in Syria, was killed by Iraqi forces with US support. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani recognized him as a significant threat. ISIS is attempting a resurgence after years of decline, despite leadership turmoil following al-Baghdadi’s death in 2019. The group remains a considerable security risk across the Middle East and Asia.
Iraqi security forces, with backing from the US-led coalition, successfully eliminated Abu Khadija, the leader of ISIS in Syria, an official announcement by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed. Abu Khadija, also known as Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rufayi, was cited as “one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world.” This development marks a significant victory in the ongoing fight against ISIS, which has historically governed regions in Syria and Iraq with extreme measures.
The rise of ISIS, particularly following the declaration of a caliphate by former leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2014, led to severe consequences across both Iraq and Syria. However, after the demise of al-Baghdadi in a US raid in 2019, the group’s operational capacity reportedly diminished. Recent assessments indicate that ISIS is attempting a resurgence, with the US Central Command noting an uptick in their violent activities in 2024.
Notably, ISIS has struggled with leadership stability since the death of Al-Baghdadi, encountering challenges within its ranks as successive leaders have been eliminated shortly after taking command. Despite this chaos, the group remains a significant national security threat due to its persistent activity and connections in various regions, including the Middle East and Asia.
The death of Abu Khadija represents a critical blow to ISIS, a group historically known for its profound influence in Syria and Iraq. Although the organization has faced a leadership crisis post-al-Baghdadi, indications suggest it continues to pose a notable threat with attempts to regroup and increase attack frequency. Ongoing vigilance and strategic military collaboration will be vital to counteract ISIS’s resurgence.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
