US and Iraqi forces conducted a successful airstrike targeting ISIS leader Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, eliminating him alongside another operative in Al Anbar province, Iraq. This action was part of ongoing efforts against terrorism amidst concerns regarding ISIS’s global activities and regional destabilization following the fall of the Assad regime.
United States forces, collaborating with Iraqi intelligence and security services, successfully executed an airstrike that resulted in the death of a prominent Islamic State leader in western Iraq. Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, also known as ‘Abu Khadijah,’ was recognized as the “deputy caliph” of the militant organization and described by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani as “one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world.”
On a recent evening, President Donald Trump affirmed the killing of the ISIS leader, noting that he was persistently pursued by US forces. He expressed that Abu Khadijah’s life, along with that of another ISIS member, was ended through coordination with the Iraqi Government and the Kurdish Regional Government, asserting his administration’s commitment to national security under the motto “PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH!”
The US Central Command, known as CENTCOM, reported that the precision strike occurred in Iraq’s Al Anbar province, eliminating the high-ranking ISIS official along with another operative. Upon examination, both individuals were found deceased while wearing un-exploded “suicide vests” and were armed with various weapons. Abu Khadijah was identified through a DNA match from a prior operation where he narrowly escaped capture.
In his official communication, Prime Minister al-Sudani commended Iraq’s ongoing efforts against terrorism, highlighting their significant successes against ISIS. Following substantial military setbacks against a US-led coalition approximately six years prior, ISIS, which once controlled vast areas of Syria and northern Iraq, still poses a global threat, operating across multiple countries.
Despite having diminished from a self-declared caliphate, ISIS remains influential and has recently orchestrated high-profile attacks, including a tragic incident in Moscow earlier this year that resulted in substantial casualties. US officials express concern regarding the potential for ISIS’s expansion amid instability in the region, particularly following the decline of the Assad regime in Syria.
Moreover, during recent diplomatic engagements, Iraq and Syria reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration in combating terrorism, which is believed to be pivotal for ensuring regional stability.
The recent event marks a significant victory against ISIS while reflecting the ongoing challenges posed by the group in various international contexts, raising awareness regarding persistent terrorism issues.
In summary, the airstrike that led to the death of Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, an influential ISIS leader, signifies a notable accomplishment for US and Iraqi forces in their fight against terrorism. The incident underscores the persistent threat posed by ISIS, which, despite losses, continues to operate globally. The partnership between Iraq and Syria in combating terrorism is essential for promoting regional stability and preventing the resurgence of extremist activities.
Original Source: www.crossroadstoday.com
