Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced the killing of Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, a key Islamic State leader, in an operation involving Iraqi and U.S. forces. This development coincides with heightened collaboration between Iraq and Syria to combat IS amid fears of a resurgence in the wake of Assad’s government collapse. Iraqi leaders are reassessing their military strategies in response to changing dynamics in the region.
On Friday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced the death of Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, also known as “Abu Khadija,” the leader of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. This operation, which involved the Iraqi national intelligence service and U.S.-led coalition forces, was conducted via airstrike in Anbar province. Al-Sudani emphasized, “The Iraqis continue their impressive victories over the forces of darkness and terrorism.”
The announcement coincided with a significant diplomatic visit by Syria’s Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein to Iraq, where both nations committed to strengthening their cooperation against IS. Hussein illuminated the shared challenges facing both Iraqi and Syrian societies, particularly in relation to terrorist activities. He mentioned an operations room formed by Syria, Iraq, Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon aimed at generating a coordinated response against the Islamic State.
The relationship between Iraq and Syria remains complex due to the political landscape shaped by the Syrian civil war. Al-Sudani holds power with backing from Iran-aligned factions, while Syria’s interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, has a history tied to al-Qaida. Amidst this complicated backdrop, Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, Syrian interim Foreign Minister, reaffirmed the historical ties between Baghdad and Damascus, stating that strengthening this partnership benefits both nations and fosters regional stability.
As fears rise concerning a potential resurgence of IS following the fall of Bashar Assad, recent military assessments have prompted some Iraqi officials to reconsider the existing military agreements with the U.S. The coalition’s planned withdrawal by September 2025 raises concerns amid these changes, as Iraqi leaders had previously deemed the threat level under control. However, the dynamics in Syria post-Assad’s departure have forced a reevaluation of these positions, particularly among the Shiite coalition that supports al-Sudani.
The death of the Islamic State leader heralds a significant triumph for Iraq’s security forces in the ongoing fight against terrorism. This event aligns strategically with heightened cooperation between Iraqi and Syrian officials to address common threats. Simultaneously, the shifting political landscape following the fall of Assad raises concerns regarding the resurgence of IS, compelling Iraqi leaders to reassess their military strategies and cooperation with U.S. forces in combating extremism in the region.
Original Source: www.military.com
