Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed the death of Abdullah Maki Musleh al-Rifai, a key ISIS leader, describing him as one of the world’s most dangerous terrorists. Al-Rifai’s death follows a pattern of leadership losses for ISIS and reflects ongoing efforts to combat the militant group’s influence in the region.
Abdullah Maki Musleh al-Rifai, a prominent leader of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, was killed, as confirmed by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. This news, reported by Reuters, marks a significant security achievement for Iraq, with al-Sudani describing him as “one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world.”
Al-Rifai, also known as Abu Khadija, held the position of ‘Deputy Caliph’ and headed ISIS’s Iraq division, Bilad al-Rafidayn. His death adds to a series of leadership losses for ISIS, including former leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was killed in 2019.
Born in 1991 in Balad District, Salah ad Din Province, al-Rifai was deemed a senior figure in the militant organization. Since Baghdadi’s death, ISIS has grappled with unstable leadership and the ongoing elimination of its successors.
Historically, ISIS enforced a stringent Islamist rule over millions in Syria and Iraq. While it has largely lost territorial control, the group has been attempting to regain influence across the Middle East, the West, and Asia by conducting sporadic attacks, as noted by The Guardian.
The death of Abdullah Maki Musleh al-Rifai signifies a critical blow to the Islamic State’s leadership. His elimination, alongside other high-profile terrorist figures, reflects the ongoing struggle to dismantle the group’s remaining influence. Despite territorial losses, ISIS continues to pose a security threat in various regions as it attempts to re-establish its operations.
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