Late on Friday, the Iraqi Prime Minister announced that Iraqi security forces, in coordination with the U.S.-led coalition, had killed a senior ISIS leader during a targeted operation.
In a statement posted on his X account, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani confirmed that Abdullah Maki Muslih Al-Rifa’i, a senior ISIS leader, was eliminated in a joint operation with U.S. forces. While the Prime Minister did not specify the operation’s location, Iraqi media, citing reliable sources, reported that Al-Rifa’i was killed in Anbar province.
Abdullah Maki Muslih Al-Rifa’i, known within ISIS as Abu Khadija, was regarded as the second-in-command of the terrorist group, directly below its emir. He held key positions, including the deputy caliph, Wali of Iraq and Syria, head of the Authorised Committee, and overseer of external operations offices.
The death of Abu Khadija marks a significant setback for ISIS, a group already grappling with a leadership crisis. His elimination is expected to further destabilize the group and exacerbate its ongoing challenges.