The Prime Minister of Iraq announced on Friday that a significant figure in the Islamic State has been killed. Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, known as “Abu Khadija,” was eliminated during a coordinated operation by both the Iraqi national intelligence service and U.S.-led coalition forces.
In his statement, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani referred to al-Rifai as one of the most dangerous terrorists, stating that his removal is a vital step in the ongoing fight against terrorism in the region.
Former President Donald Trump reacted to the news, praising the efforts of the military. He celebrated, saying that al-Rifai’s “miserable life was terminated” thanks to the relentless pursuit by U.S. forces in collaboration with the Iraqi government.
The U.S. Central Command confirmed that their forces had executed an airstrike in Al Anbar Province, resulting in the death of al-Rifai, who was described as one of the highest-ranking members of ISIS. CENTCOM highlighted his role in planning operations and managing logistics for the group around the world.
After the strike, U.S. and Iraqi forces found additional evidence at the scene, including two ISIS operatives, both equipped with unexploded suicide vests and various weapons.
Al-Rifai was identified through DNA evidence gathered during a previous encounter where he managed to evade capture. General Michael Erik Kurilla, the head of CENTCOM, reiterated the commitment to eliminating threats posed by terrorism to the U.S. and its allies.
The successful operation against al-Rifai marks a noteworthy achievement in ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, underscoring the dedication of both U.S. and Iraqi forces to ensuring safety and stability in the region.
