US and Iraqi forces executed an airstrike in western Iraq, killing Abu Khadijah, a high-ranking Islamic State leader, known as the deputy caliph. This operation, regarded as a significant victory over terrorism, was coordinated with Iraqi authorities. Despite setbacks, ISIS continues to pose a threat globally, highlighting the need for ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
United States forces, in collaboration with Iraqi intelligence and security services, successfully eliminated Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, known as ‘Abu Khadijah,’ a high-ranking Islamic State leader, during an airstrike in western Iraq. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani described him as the “deputy caliph” and characterized him as one of the most dangerous terrorists globally.
On social media, President Donald Trump announced the operation, stating that the fugitive leader was killed after being relentlessly pursued by US forces, in coordination with the Iraqi Government and the Kurdish Regional Government. He emphasized the outcome as a demonstration of strength.
Abu Khadijah, identified as the Global ISIS 2 leader and Chief of Global Operations, was killed alongside another operative in a precision strike in Al Anbar province. US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that both individuals were found wearing un-exploded suicide vests and equipped with multiple weapons. His identification was facilitated through DNA evidence from a previous encounter.
As a top commander for ISIS in Iraq and Syria, Abu Khadijah was instrumental in the operations, logistics, and planning for the organization globally. He also played a key role in overseeing finance for ISIS’s operations. Iraq’s Prime Minister hailed the incident as yet another victory over terrorism.
Historically, ISIS controlled significant territories in Iraq and Syria before suffering defeats by a US-led coalition nearly six years ago. Although diminished, the group remains active across various countries, continuing to inspire terror attacks, including a recent assault in Moscow that resulted in numerous casualties.
Officials express concerns regarding the potential for ISIS to regain strength in Iraq, particularly following the instability in Syria after the regime change of Bashar al-Assad. In light of this, Iraq and Syria have reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating against terrorism, with al-Sudani emphasizing that Iraq’s security commitments will positively influence regional stability.
In summary, the successful airstrike against Abu Khadijah represents a significant blow to the Islamic State’s operational capabilities. Despite the group’s diminished control across Iraq and Syria, it remains a threat, necessitating continued vigilance and cooperative efforts between nations to combat terrorism. The recent developments underscore the ongoing struggle against ISIS and the need for regional stability.
Original Source: www.crossroadstoday.com
