In a significant counterterrorism achievement, the United States, in coordination with Iraqi Intelligence and Security Forces, announced on Friday the elimination of Abdullah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, also known as “Abu Khadijah.” The ISIS operative, who served as the group’s Chief of Global Operations and its second-in-command worldwide, was killed in a precision airstrike targeting his position in Iraq’s Al Anbar Province. Another ISIS fighter was also neutralized during the operation.
Operation Details
According to US military officials, the airstrike was executed with exceptional accuracy. Following the strike, forces from US Central Command (CENTCOM) and Iraqi security units promptly arrived at the scene. Investigators found both Abu Khadijah and the second ISIS operative at the site, each wearing unexploded suicide vests and armed with multiple weapons. Abu Khadijah’s identity was confirmed through a DNA match, using samples collected from a previous raid where he had narrowly escaped capture.
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CENTCOM Forces Kill ISIS Chief of Global Operations Who Also Served as ISIS #2
On March 13, U.S. Central Command forces, in cooperation with Iraqi Intelligence and Security Forces, conducted a precision airstrike in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, that killed the Global ISIS #2 leader,… pic.twitter.com/rWeEoUY7Lw
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 15, 2025
General Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of US Central Command, stated, “We will continue to kill terrorists and dismantle their organizations that threaten our homeland and our allied and partner personnel in the region and beyond.” His remarks underscored the commitment to ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the region.
International and Domestic Reactions
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani hailed the operation as a major victory in the fight against terrorism. He described Abu Khadijah as “one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world” and confirmed that the operation was conducted with the full support of the US-led coalition, including the Kurdish Regional Government.
In a related statement on social media, US President Donald Trump took credit for the successful operation, tweeting, “Today the fugitive leader of ISIS in Iraq was killed. He was relentlessly hunted down by our intrepid warfighters. His miserable life was terminated, along with another member of ISIS, in coordination with the Iraqi Government and the Kurdish Regional Government. PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH!” Trump’s comment highlights the administration’s ongoing commitment to counterterrorism, despite a complex geopolitical environment.
Context of the Operation
Abu Khadijah was sanctioned by the US in 2023 and identified as the de facto governor of ISIS-controlled territories in Iraq and Syria. He played a pivotal role in overseeing the organization’s logistics, planning, and financial management on a global scale. Despite the territorial defeat of ISIS in Iraq in 2017 and Syria in 2019, remnants of the terror group have continued to operate, launching sporadic attacks against Iraqi security forces.
The operation in Al Anbar Province marks a continued effort by US and Iraqi forces to dismantle these remnants. Approximately 2,500 US troops remain stationed in Iraq to support counterterrorism efforts and train Iraqi security forces, emphasizing the long-term strategic commitment to stabilizing the region.
Broader Implications
The elimination of a high-ranking ISIS operative signals a strategic victory for the coalition, sending a clear message that terrorism will be met with decisive and coordinated military action. However, the continued presence of ISIS fighters, particularly in remote areas, indicates that the threat, although diminished, persists.
The successful operation also reinforces the importance of international collaboration in the fight against terrorism. With the support of allied forces, both the US and Iraqi governments are better positioned to counter the evolving tactics of terrorist organizations. As further investigations and operations continue, global security analysts note that such successes are critical in maintaining regional stability.
