High-Ranking ISIS Official Eliminated in Coordinated Operation in Iraq
Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, commonly referred to as 'Abu Khadija,' has been confirmed dead following a U.S.-Iraqi military operation.
Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, recognized as a high-ranking figure in the Islamic State (ISIS), was killed in a military operation in Iraq, as confirmed by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on Friday.
Al-Rifai, also known by the alias 'Abu Khadija,' was reportedly killed during a coordinated strike involving the Iraqi national intelligence agency and U.S.-led coalition forces.
Prime Minister al-Sudani referred to al-Rifai as one of the most perilous terrorists operating in both Iraq and worldwide.
U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged the operation in a post on his social media platform, describing al-Rifai’s existence as 'miserable' and asserting that he was 'relentlessly pursued by our brave military personnel.' Trump's remarks confirmed that the operation also led to the elimination of another ISIS operative.
As per U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the airstrike that resulted in al-Rifai's death occurred in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.
CENTCOM labeled al-Rifai as the 'Global ISIS #2 leader' and outlined his responsibilities, which included leadership in operational strategy, logistics, and financial management within the global ISIS network.
After the airstrike, military forces from both the U.S. and Iraq arrived at the scene, finding the deceased ISIS members equipped with unexploded suicide vests, suggesting readiness for potential attacks.
The identification of al-Rifai was facilitated through DNA evidence obtained during an earlier operation in which he had managed to evade capture.
General Michael Erik Kurilla, the commander of CENTCOM, highlighted al-Rifai’s significance within ISIS, pointing out his senior position in the organization’s decision-making structures.
He reaffirmed the dedication of U.S. and allied forces to eradicate threats posed by terrorist groups in the region and beyond.
Al-Rifai, also known by the alias 'Abu Khadija,' was reportedly killed during a coordinated strike involving the Iraqi national intelligence agency and U.S.-led coalition forces.
Prime Minister al-Sudani referred to al-Rifai as one of the most perilous terrorists operating in both Iraq and worldwide.
U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged the operation in a post on his social media platform, describing al-Rifai’s existence as 'miserable' and asserting that he was 'relentlessly pursued by our brave military personnel.' Trump's remarks confirmed that the operation also led to the elimination of another ISIS operative.
As per U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the airstrike that resulted in al-Rifai's death occurred in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.
CENTCOM labeled al-Rifai as the 'Global ISIS #2 leader' and outlined his responsibilities, which included leadership in operational strategy, logistics, and financial management within the global ISIS network.
After the airstrike, military forces from both the U.S. and Iraq arrived at the scene, finding the deceased ISIS members equipped with unexploded suicide vests, suggesting readiness for potential attacks.
The identification of al-Rifai was facilitated through DNA evidence obtained during an earlier operation in which he had managed to evade capture.
General Michael Erik Kurilla, the commander of CENTCOM, highlighted al-Rifai’s significance within ISIS, pointing out his senior position in the organization’s decision-making structures.
He reaffirmed the dedication of U.S. and allied forces to eradicate threats posed by terrorist groups in the region and beyond.