Iraqi security forces, supported by the U.S.-led coalition, have eliminated Abu Khadija, the Islamic State leader in Iraq and Syria. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has confirmed this operation’s success, noting Abu Khadija’s role as a significant terrorist threat. The Islamic State continues to strive for reestablishment in Iraq and Syria, with increased attack activity documented recently. Their operational strategies have evolved, resulting in a shift to guerrilla warfare in various territories, including Africa and Afghanistan.
The leader of the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq and Syria, known as Abu Khadija, has been eliminated in a strategic operation conducted by Iraqi security forces, with backing from the U.S.-led coalition. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed on Friday the death of Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rufay’i, labeling him as “one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world.”
This operation reflects ongoing international efforts to dismantle IS, a group that once held significant territories in the Middle East. Despite suffering defeats, IS remains intent on regaining power, attempting to reestablish its influence across Iraq, Syria, and beyond, with intelligence suggesting a rise in activity, including 153 recorded attacks in the first half of 2024 alone.
Historically, IS governed large areas from 2014 to 2017, inflicting severe punishments and conducting global attacks under a declared caliphate. Following successive military campaigns, the coalition managed to diminish IS’s territorial control significantly. The group’s current leadership, under the pseudonym Abu Hafs al-Hashimi al-Quraishi, has maintained a low profile since the group’s losses.
Transitioning into guerrilla warfare, IS operates through smaller, dispersed cells, with remnants of their fighters in remote locations in Iraq and Syria. A notable portion of their members has linked with the IS Khorasan branch (ISIS-K), recognized as a potent faction under the command of Sanaullah Ghafari. This expansion into regions such as Afghanistan and Pakistan highlights the evolving nature of IS’s operational strategy.
Furthermore, IS has made further inroads into Africa, broadening its influence and posing potential threats to local security. The organization’s ongoing adaptations reflect its enduring resilience in the face of international opposition, demonstrating that vigilance remains crucial in the efforts to combat terrorism.
The elimination of Abu Khadija signifies a substantial victory for Iraqi forces and the international coalition against the Islamic State. However, the persistent threats posed by IS, particularly through its adaptation to guerrilla warfare and global expansions, underline the necessity for continued vigilance and strategic military cooperation to thwart its resurgence. The group’s history and current activities stress the importance of addressing the broader implications of terrorism in various regions.
Original Source: news.abplive.com
