In a significant blow to ISIS, a top leader responsible for the group’s global operations has been killed in a precision airstrike conducted by US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces in coordination with Iraqi Intelligence and Security Forces. The targeted strike eliminated Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, also known as “Abu Khadijah,” marking a crucial victory in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
The precision strike, which occurred on March 13 in Iraq’s Al Anbar Province, successfully neutralized Abu Khadijah along with another ISIS operative, CENTCOM revealed in a statement. The targeted individual was identified as ISIS’s second-highest-ranking leader and the Emir of the Delegated Committee, a powerful role within the organization’s command structure.
“Abu Khadijah was one of the most important ISIS members in the entire global ISIS organization,” stated Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of US Central Command. “We will continue to kill terrorists and dismantle their organisations that threaten our homeland and US, allied, and partner personnel in the region and beyond.”
Following the strike, CENTCOM and Iraqi forces secured the site, confirming Abu Khadijah’s identity through DNA matching from a previous raid. Both deceased ISIS members were found wearing unexploded suicide vests and carrying multiple weapons, CENTCOM reported.
President Donald Trump also addressed the operation, emphasizing the joint efforts behind the successful mission. “Today the fugitive leader of ISIS in Iraq was killed. He was relentlessly hunted down by our intrepid warfighters,” Trump announced via Truth Social. Sharing credit with Iraqi and Kurdish forces, he added, “His miserable life was terminated, along with another member of ISIS, in coordination with the Iraqi Government and the Kurdish Regional Government. PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH!”
Abu Khadijah played a pivotal role as the Emir of ISIS’ Delegated Committee, the group’s most senior decision-making body. In this role, he oversaw global operations, logistics, and financial planning for ISIS, contributing to its ability to conduct attacks worldwide. His elimination represents a significant disruption to ISIS’ operational framework and marks a key victory in the ongoing mission to weaken the organization.Considered one of the deadliest terrorists operating in Iraq and internationally, Abu Khadijah was a prominent figure within ISIS leadership. His position placed him under speculation as a potential successor to the ISIS global leader, often referred to as the “caliph.”
