US Missile Strike Kills ISIS Global Operations Chief Abu Khadijah

In a significant counterterrorism operation, the United States, in cooperation with Iraqi Intelligence and Security Forces, successfully executed a precision airstrike in Iraq’s Al Anbar Province, killing Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, alias “Abu Khadijah.” The strike, which was carried out on March 13, also killed another ISIS member.

Abu Khadijah was the head of the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist network’s global operations and served as the second-ranking member of the group globally. He was accountable for directing the group’s logistic, planning, and finances for the world as a whole, as described by US military spokespersons.

After the strike, US Central Command (CENTCOM) and Iraqi troops arrived at the location to verify the fatalities. Both men were wearing unexploded suicide vests and were equipped with several weapons when they were found, CENTCOM said. The identity of Abu Khadijah was confirmed via a DNA test using samples obtained from a previous raid in which he had narrowly escaped capture.

US Central Command Commander General Michael Erik Kurilla highlighted the importance of the operation, saying, “Abu Khadijah was one of the most significant ISIS members in the entire global ISIS organization. We will keep killing terrorists and breaking up their organizations that threaten our homeland and U.S., allied, and partner personnel in the region and beyond.”

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani also welcomed the operation, calling Abu Khadijah “one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world.” In a post on social media site X, al-Sudani confirmed that the mission was carried out with the assistance of the US-led coalition.

There are about 2,500 American soldiers still in Iraq as part of ongoing campaigns to counteract ISIS and contribute to regional stability. This current operation is a major hit on the terror organization’s leadership and its functional abilities.