Iraqi and U.S. forces conducted a joint operation resulting in the death of senior ISIS leader Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rufay’i, also known as Abu Khadija. This comes as the Islamic State increases its attacks in Syria, highlighting a resurgence after losing territory six years prior. The operation was confirmed by U.S. military officials, emphasizing the collaborative intelligence efforts involved.
Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced the elimination of a senior Islamic State leader, Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rufay’i (also known as Abu Khadija), in a recent joint operation conducted by Iraqi and U.S. forces. The operation included targeted airstrikes and integrated intelligence from both nations. This strike occurred amidst the Islamic State’s resurgence in Syria, where it has been conducting an increasing number of attacks since losing significant territory nearly six years ago.
In addition to confirming the successful strike, a senior U.S. military official indicated that special operations forces from Iraq and the United States were active in Anbar Province, collaborating on recovery efforts at the strike site. The Prime Minister characterized al-Rufay’i as “one of the most dangerous terrorists in the world,” underscoring the importance of this operation in the ongoing fight against the Islamic State. The coalition’s efforts highlight the continued commitment to countering the threat posed by the group in both Iraq and Syria.
The recent joint operation signals a renewed commitment by Iraqi and U.S. forces to combat the threat posed by the Islamic State, especially as the group regains strength in the region. The death of a prominent leader like Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rufay’i is viewed as a significant achievement in disrupting the group’s operations, reinforcing international cooperation in counterterrorism efforts. Such measures remain crucial in mitigating the resurgence of extremist violence in the Middle East.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
