A U.S.-led airstrike in Iraq has effectively eliminated Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, a top ISIS leader, in coordination with local forces.
The operation marks a continued effort by the Trump administration to dismantle the terrorist organization's leadership and weaken its operations in the region, as the Daily Caller reports.
The precision airstrike occurred Thursday in the Al Anbar Province, a region with historical significance due to its strategic location and past conflict. Notably, the operation involved the coordination of U.S. forces with Iraqi Intelligence and Security Forces, alongside Kurdish counterparts. It resulted in the elimination of two prominent ISIS operatives: al-Rifai, known as "Abu Khadijah," and another unnamed ISIS member.
Al-Rifai was a high-profile target, recognized within ISIS ranks for his pivotal role as Chief of Global Operations and Delegated Committee Emir. His responsibilities included overseeing logistics, planning, and some financial activities crucial to the terrorist organization's global agenda. The successful operation underscores the strategic alliance between the U.S., Iraq, and Kurdish governments in actively pursuing terrorist dismantlement.
Reports revealed that both operatives were found with unexploded suicide vests, an indicator of their readiness for extremism and violence. Their identities were confirmed through DNA samples, a method ensuring precise recognition that was cross-referenced with data from a preceding raid.
The airstrike also fits into a broader agenda of targeted actions against high-profile figures in extremist networks. The death of al-Rifai draws parallels with previous operations such as the one in 2019 that resulted in the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the former head of ISIS.
President Trump highlighted the cooperative effort, making a statement on the strength and diligence of U.S. forces in hunting down key terrorist figures. "Today the fugitive leader of ISIS in Iraq was killed," Trump proclaimed, extolling the operation's execution and its coordination with regional allies. The President reiterated his administration's stance for international security, emphasizing “Peace Through Strength.”
The successful strike elicited responses from various officials. U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, in a reflection of triumph and resolve, declared that the message was clear: “President Trump will find you.” Meanwhile, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth echoed this sentiment with emphasis on the same theme of strength.
In Iraq, the response was equally potent. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani celebrated the operation as a significant security achievement, asserting that the Iraqi people continued to triumph against the forces of extremism. Al-Sudani stated that al-Rifai “was considered one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world,” underlining the strike's importance to regional and global stability.
General Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM, remarked on the importance of eliminating al-Rifai, labeling him as one of ISIS's most pivotal figures. Affirming the commitment to global security, Kurilla stated, “We will continue to kill terrorists and dismantle their organizations that threaten our homeland and U.S., allied, and partner personnel in the region and beyond.”
This operation comes within a critical political timeline. It was carried out just two days prior to President Trump's announcement for military action against Iran-backed Houthi extremists in Yemen, showcasing a widened strategic focus on dismantling terrorist operations across different fronts.
Through this cooperative military engagement, the international coalition displays a united front against terrorism. The targeting and elimination of ISIS network leaders such as al-Rifai send a vocal message regarding the ongoing commitment to undermine extremist influences globally.
Inherent in this narrative is not only the tactical success but also a reinforcement of international partnerships. The operation conveys that collaboration and coordinated intelligence are vital components in the fight against global terror. With the region and world closely watching, efforts like these are vital to pursuing and dismantling extremist elements and safeguarding international peace.
