The recent elimination of Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifa, the head of ISIS's senior decision-making body, highlights ongoing efforts to dismantle the terrorist organization's leadership. His death, confirmed by US Central Command and Iraqi officials, underscores the continued threat IS poses in Iraq and Syria despite territorial defeats.
Key Islamic State Leader Killed in Iraq: US-Iraqi Operation Successfully Neutralizes Threat
Key Islamic State Leader Killed in Iraq: US-Iraqi Operation Successfully Neutralizes Threat
A high-ranking Islamic State leader, Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifa, was killed during a joint US-Iraqi operation, marking a significant step in counter-terrorism efforts.
In a decisive operation, the Iraqi national intelligence service, alongside US-led coalition forces, has killed a prominent Islamic State (IS) figure in Iraq and Syria. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed the death of Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifa, known as Abu Khadija, who was labeled as one of the world's most significant terrorists.
US President Donald Trump highlighted the meticulous efforts taken to hunt al-Rifa down, stating that he was pursued "relentlessly" by military forces. A video released by the US Central Command (Centcom) showcased the strike executed in the Al Anbar province of Iraq last Thursday. Al-Rifa was known for his pivotal role in IS's major decision-making operations as well as managing the logistics and financial facets of the group's international activities.
Notably, both al-Rifa and another IS operative were found deceased while wearing unexploded suicide vests and carrying several weapons, as reported by Centcom. The operatives' identities were established through DNA evidence collected from a prior raid in which al-Rifa had barely eluded capture.
General Michael Erik Kurilla remarked on the significance of al-Rifa's death, emphasizing that the fight against terrorism remains critical for maintaining security for the US and its allies. Despite Iraq's declaration of victory over IS in December 2017 and the group's expulsion from its last stronghold in 2019, the resurgence of attacks from militants and sleeper cells persists in several regions.
As the threat of IS continues to evolve, statements from various leaders, including Trump's claims of potential resurgence in regions like Somalia, highlight the persistent challenges faced by international forces in combatting terrorism effectively.
