U.S. forces killed ISIS’s second in command, Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, in a March 13 airstrike in Iraq’s Anbar Province. Known for overseeing global ISIS operations, al-Rifai’s death was initially reported by Iraq’s government. The U.S. Central Command detailed the identification and targeting process, emphasizing the ongoing fight against ISIS in the region.
On Thursday, U.S. forces executed an airstrike in Iraq that resulted in the death of ISIS’s second in command, Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, known as “Abu Khadijah.” The strike occurred on March 13 in Anbar Province, while al-Rifai was traveling in a car through the countryside. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) indicated he was a key figure in ISIS, overseeing global operations and finances.
CENTCOM’s announcement followed initial reports of al-Rifai’s death from the Iraqi government on March 14, where Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani labeled him “one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world.” While al-Sudani attributed the killing to Irak’s security forces, CENTCOM’s statement clarified the U.S. military’s role in the airstrike.
The U.S. released a video illustrating the airstrike: a lone vehicle was struck by two munitions, producing significant explosions. Notably, these explosions suggested that a precision missile known for minimal collateral damage was not utilized. CENTCOM confirmed that the car contained al-Rifai and another ISIS member who were found with untriggered explosive vests.
American and Iraqi forces were able to identify the deceased through DNA comparisons with samples gathered from a prior raid which al-Rifai had escaped. The vehicle also contained multiple weapons, indicating a well-prepared status even at the time of the strike.
Despite the collapse of ISIS’s territorial stronghold in Syria, U.S. forces remain proactive in combatting the group throughout the region. Currently, there are approximately 2,500 troops stationed in Iraq, conducting extensive operations alongside international partners and local forces against ISIS remnants. This signifies the ongoing commitment to counterterrorism efforts in the Middle East.
The American airstrike that killed ISIS’s second in command, Abu Khadijah, highlights the ongoing efforts of the U.S. and allied forces to dismantle terrorist operations in Iraq and beyond. With sophisticated identification and tracking methods, coupled with military support, authorities continue to target key ISIS figures to weaken the organization’s operational capabilities. The incident exemplifies the strategic approach taken against terrorism in the region, maintaining vigilance despite the group’s territorial losses.
Original Source: taskandpurpose.com
