The United States, in coordination with Iraqi Intelligence and Security Forces, has confirmed the death of ISIS leader Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, also known as Abu Khadija, in a precision airstrike in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. The operation, conducted by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), marks a significant blow to the terror group’s leadership structure.
Details of the Operation
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Location: Al Anbar Province, Iraq.
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Date: March 15, 2025.
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Targets Eliminated: Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai and another ISIS operative.
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Method: Precision airstrike carried out by U.S. forces in partnership with Iraqi intelligence.
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Key Findings: The two operatives were found wearing suicide vests at the time of the operation.
Who Was Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai?
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He was a senior leader of ISIS in Iraq and Syria, often regarded as the group’s global operations chief.
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He played a crucial role in ISIS’s logistics, planning, and financial operations.
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His presence was seen as one of the major threats to international security, orchestrating terror attacks in multiple regions.
Official Statements
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Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed al-Rifai’s death, praising the collaboration between Iraqi, U.S., and Kurdish forces.
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President Donald Trump acknowledged the operation, stating:
"Al-Rifai was relentlessly hunted down, and his miserable life was terminated. The world is safer without him."
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CENTCOM Spokesperson: Emphasized that the operation is part of a broader effort to dismantle ISIS leadership and disrupt its operations in the Middle East.
Implications of His Death
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Significant disruption to ISIS leadership: His role in coordinating terror activities globally makes his death a major setback for the group.
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Boost to counterterrorism efforts: U.S. and Iraqi forces are likely to intensify operations to eliminate remaining ISIS operatives.
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Potential retaliation: Security agencies worldwide have been put on high alert for potential revenge attacks by ISIS-affiliated cells.
What’s Next?
The U.S. and Iraq continue to monitor and target ISIS networks to prevent the group from regaining strength. Intelligence reports suggest that further strikes may be planned to dismantle remaining leadership figures.