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Significant Blow to ISIS Leadership in Iraq

The Iraqi national intelligence service, with support from U.S.-led coalition forces, has successfully eliminated the head of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. The operation, confirmed by U.S. Central Command and the Iraqi Prime Minister, marks a notable achievement in the ongoing fight against terrorism in the region.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani lauded the efforts of his country’s security forces, stating, “The Iraqis continue their impressive victories over the forces of darkness and terrorism,” in a statement shared on X.

The individual killed, Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, also known as “Abu Khadija,” held a prominent role within the militant organization, described as the “deputy caliph” and recognized as “one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world,” according to the official announcement.

President Trump, utilizing his Truth Social platform, remarked on the event, noting, “Today the fugitive leader of ISIS in Iraq was killed. He was relentlessly hunted down by our intrepid warfighters” alongside the Iraqi government and the Kurdish regional authorities. He concluded with a strong endorsement of “PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH!”

According to CENTCOM, Abu Khadija was targeted in a “precision airstrike” in Iraq’s Al Anbar Province during an operation involving both Iraqi intelligence and U.S. forces. Additionally, another ISIS operative was killed in the same operation. Aerial footage of the strike has been released, showcasing the precision involved.

Post-strike proceedings led U.S. and Iraqi forces to discover the two militants, who were found equipped with unexploded suicide vests and an array of weapons. Abu Khadija’s identity was confirmed through DNA samples collected in a previous raid from which he had evaded capture.

General Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM, noted the significance of Abu Khadija’s removal, stating, “Abu Khadijah was one of the most important ISIS members in the entire global ISIS organization. We will continue to eliminate terrorists and dismantle their networks that pose a threat to our homeland and our partners in the region and beyond.”

The announcement of this military success coincided with the historic visit of Syria’s Foreign Minister to Iraq. During this visit, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating on counter-terrorism efforts against the Islamic State.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein highlighted the mutual challenges faced by Iraq and Syria in combating IS, stating that discussions entailed the movements of ISIS across their shared border and within their territories.

Hussein also referenced a recent collaborative effort initiated in Amman, where a joint operations room comprising Syria, Iraq, Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon was established to tackle the threat posed by IS.

The political relationship between Iraq and Syria remains complex, particularly following the downfall of former Syrian President Bashar Assad. The association between Iraq’s current leadership, which is backed by Iran, and Assad’s former regime adds layers of tension. Notably, Syria’s current interim president has a history as a former al-Qaida militant in Iraq, further complicating diplomatic relations.

Despite these historical tensions, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani emphasized the longstanding connections between Baghdad and Damascus, asserting, “Throughout history, Baghdad and Damascus have been the capitals of the Arab and Islamic world, sharing knowledge, culture, and economy.” He expressed optimism that strengthening their partnership could enhance regional stability and reduce dependency on external influences.

This military operation and diplomatic engagement occur amidst rising concerns regarding the potential resurgence of ISIS, particularly following the changes in power in Syria. Although Syria’s ruling group has actively targeted ISIS remnants, there are apprehensions that security could be compromised, potentially allowing for a revival of the militant group.

In recent developments, the U.S. and Iraq reached an agreement to gradually conclude the military coalition’s operation against the Islamic State by September 2025, which includes withdrawing U.S. troops from certain bases established during the extensive military engagement. Initially, Iraqi leaders expressed confidence in managing the threat of ISIS independently, asserting that the immediate danger was under control.

However, the evolving situation in Syria and the fall of Assad have prompted a reevaluation among Iraqi political factions, particularly within the Coordination Framework, which comprises many Iran-aligned political groups. This shift in perception underscores the ongoing complexities and challenges in the fight against ISIS in both Iraq and Syria.

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