Iraqi PM confirmed the killing of ISIS leader Abdullah Maki Musleh al-Rifai, known as Abu Khadija, in a joint operation with U.S.-led forces. This death is part of ongoing leadership losses for ISIS. Despite losing their territorial control, the group continues to pose threats in various regions.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced the death of Abdullah Maki Musleh al-Rifai, the leader of ISIS, on Friday. Al-Rifai, also known as Abu Khadija, was deemed one of the most dangerous terrorists globally, according to the Prime Minister. Iraqi security forces collaborated with the U.S.-led coalition in this operation against the militant group, as confirmed by the reports from Reuters.
In a statement, PM Sudani congratulated Iraqis and peace-loving individuals worldwide on this significant security milestone. He noted Abu Khadija’s notoriety as a major figure in global terrorism, referring to his leadership of ‘Bilad al-Rafidayn,’ ISIS’s division in Iraq. His death contributes to a trend of leadership losses for ISIS in recent years, including the previous leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who died in 2019.
Born in 1991 in Balad District, Salah ad Din Province, al-Rifai’s rise to power followed al-Baghdadi’s death, which rendered ISIS leadership unstable with successive eliminations in a short time. Despite facing difficulty in maintaining a cohesive hierarchy, reports indicate that ISIS has imposed stringent Islamist governance over many in Syria and Iraq.
Although the group has lost its territorial hold, its remnants still aim to regroup and launch attacks in the Middle East, West, and Asia. The decline began with al-Baghdadi’s 2019 death during a U.S. raid in Syria, which marked a significant weakening for the organization. Nevertheless, isolated cells continue to execute assaults across different regions, as reported by The Guardian.
The killing of Abdullah Maki Musleh al-Rifai marks a notable victory for Iraqi forces and their allies in the fight against ISIS. With the ongoing struggle to stabilize ISIS leadership and the group’s attempt to regain influence, the international community remains vigilant. Continued efforts are crucial to preventing the resurgence of such militant organizations in affected areas.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
