U.S. Central Command successfully killed ISIS’s second-in-command, Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, during an airstrike in Iraq on March 13. Identified through DNA comparisons, al-Rifai was noted for his significant operational and financial roles within ISIS. The incident highlights ongoing U.S.-led efforts to dismantle ISIS amidst the group’s reduced territorial presence.
On March 13, U.S. Central Command executed an airstrike in Anbar Province, Iraq, resulting in the death of Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, also recognized as “Abu Khadijah,” who held the position of ISIS’s chief of global operations. This operation took place while he was traveling in a vehicle through the Iraqi countryside.
CENTCOM described al-Rifai as a senior figure in ISIS, overseeing operations, logistics, and planning on a global scale, while also directing significant financial resources for the organization. This information was shared following Iraq’s government announcement of his death on March 14. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani labeled him as “one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world,” claiming that Iraqi forces had killed al-Rifai with international support. However, CENTCOM’s account suggests otherwise.
The U.S. Central Command’s announcement included a video of the airstrike, showcasing the targeted vehicle being hit by two munitions in quick succession, leading to substantial explosions. CENTCOM confirmed that al-Rifai and another ISIS member were in the vehicle at the time. Notably, al-Rifai was identified through DNA comparisons between the bodies found at the site and samples from a previous raid he had evaded, revealing that both wore explosive vests that failed to detonate.
Despite the loss of ISIS’s last stronghold in Syria, efforts to locate remaining members persist throughout the Middle East and Africa. Currently, approximately 2,500 U.S. troops remain stationed in Iraq, continuing joint operations with local and international partners against ISIS in regions such as Anbar Province and eastern Syria. Following the Assad regime’s collapse, several high-profile airstrikes were carried out to neutralize threats in central Syria.
The U.S. airstrike resulted in the death of Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, an influential figure within ISIS. While Iraq’s government claimed success in neutralizing a top terrorist, U.S. Central Command’s narrative diverged, highlighting the effectiveness of American operations against ISIS. The ongoing coalition efforts in Iraq and surrounding areas underscore the commitment to combating terrorism in the region. U.S. troops continue to actively engage in operations aimed at dismantling ISIS’s operational capabilities despite their territorial losses.
Original Source: taskandpurpose.com
