Second-in-command of ISIS Eliminated in Joint U.S.-Iraq Operation; Abu Khadijah, the Brain Behind Global Terrorism Planning, Killed
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), in coordination with Iraqi security and intelligence agencies, carried out a precise airstrike operation in Anbar, Iraq, killing "Abdullah Maki Muslih al-Rifa'i," known as "Abu Khadijah," the second-in-command of ISIS and the head of the group’s global operations, along with one of his accomplices.
Weezha Roz-Kabul-The operation, which took place on March 13 (23rd of Hoot), was aimed at eliminating one of the key figures in ISIS.
Abu Khadijah, known as the “Emir of the Executive Committee” of ISIS, was responsible for coordinating terrorist operations, overseeing logistics planning, and managing a significant portion of the group’s global financial resources.
He was one of the few individuals who, after evading a previous operation by security forces, found himself in the crosshairs once again.
CENTCOM stated in a press release that after the airstrike, U.S. and Iraqi forces arrived at the scene and discovered the bodies of the two individuals.
Investigations revealed that both were suicide bombers who had not detonated their explosives and were armed with multiple weapons.
The identification of Abu Khadijah was confirmed through DNA samples obtained from a previous operation in which he had survived.
General Michael Eric Kurilla, CENTCOM Commander, emphasized in a statement: “Abu Khadijah was one of the most influential members of ISIS in the global network of this group.
We will continue our commitment to destroying terrorists and dismantling their structures, which pose a threat to the domestic security of the U.S., our allies, and regional and international partners.”
The death of Abu Khadijah is a significant blow to ISIS’s command structure.
Security analysts believe that his role in coordinating deadly attacks and funding operations will make it difficult to find an immediate replacement.
This operation also highlights the strengthening of intelligence cooperation between Baghdad and Washington in the fight against terrorism.
The recent CENTCOM and Iraqi forces operation is seen as a key step in weakening ISIS’s operational capabilities.
However, security officials warn that the group continues to work on rebuilding its structures, and international vigilance against remaining threats is still required.
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