Iraqi forces, supported by a US-led coalition, killed ISIS chief Abu Khadija, recognized as a major terrorist threat. Despite suffering significant setbacks, ISIS is showing signs of a resurgence, with an increase in attacks projected for 2024. Leadership instability continues to plague the organization, yet it remains a notable national security risk.
Abu Khadija, the ISIS chief in Syria, was killed by Iraqi security forces with assistance from the US-led coalition, according to Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. Al-Sudani characterized him as one of the most dangerous terrorists not only in Iraq but globally. His real name is Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rufayi.
Previously, ISIS controlled a large swath of territory in Syria and Iraq under a brutal Islamist regime. This control started in 2014 when former leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a caliphate encompassing significant areas before being killed by US forces in 2019, which marked a turning point for the group.
The US Central Command noted that ISIS is attempting to regain strength after suffering severe losses. Recently, they projected that ISIS had executed 153 attacks in Iraq and Syria in the first half of 2024, indicating a potential resurgence of their operational capability, possibly more than doubling from previous years.
ISES has faced numerous challenges in leadership following the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The leadership instability has resulted in several successors being eliminated shortly after taking charge. Despite these challenges, ISIS continues to pose a notable threat to national security through its various regional affiliates and networks.
The recent death of Abu Khadija underscores the persistent threat posed by ISIS, even as the group has faced significant leadership challenges. With ongoing attempts to regain its former strength, ISIS’s resurgence is alarming, especially given its extensive history of violence in Iraq and Syria. The implications of these developments remain critical for regional and international security efforts.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
