Islamic State leader in Iraq and Syria killed, US says

The Prime Minister of Iraq has announced that a senior leader of the extremist group "Islamic State" (IS) in Iraq and Syria has been killed in a joint operation by the Iraqi National Intelligence Service and the US-led coalition. This operation marks another significant blow to terrorist forces, further weakening their capabilities.

According to Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Abdullah Maki Muslih al-Rifa'i, also known as Abu Hajjar, "was considered one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world." The United States Central Command (Centcom) released a video on social platform X, purportedly showing footage of the attack, stating that it occurred in Anbar province, western Iraq, on Thursday.

The US Central Command stated that Abdullah Maki Muslih al-Rifa'i was the head of IS's highest decision-making body, responsible for IS's operations, logistics, and planning worldwide. Furthermore, he oversaw a significant portion of the organization's global financial operations, managing and distributing funds.

Former US President Trump posted on his social platform Truth Social, stating: "With coordination from the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government, his miserable life was ended, along with another ISIS member. Peace through strength!" Central Command added that Abdullah Maki Muslih al-Rifa'i was found dead alongside another IS militant. "Both terrorists were wearing unexploded 'suicide vests' and possessed multiple weapons," highlighting the dangerous nature of the operation.

Central Command stated that they confirmed his identity through DNA matching with samples collected during a previous raid in which he "narrowly escaped." General Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of Central Command, stated: "Abu Hajjar was one of the most important members of the entire global IS organization. We will continue to kill terrorists and destroy organizations that threaten our homeland and the personnel of the United States, allies, and partners in the region and beyond."

IS once controlled territory spanning 88,000 square kilometers (34,000 square miles) from northeastern Syria to northern Iraq, imposing brutal rule on nearly 8 million people. Iraq declared victory over IS in December 2017, and the group was driven out of its last territory in 2019. However, militants and sleeper cells remain present throughout the country, launching sporadic attacks against Iraqi forces and police, posing a continued security challenge.