ISIS leader killed in Iraq in joint Iraqi-US operation

CNN reports that the head of the Islamic State in Iraq, Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, also known as “Abu Khadija,” was killed in an operation conducted by the Iraqi National Intelligence Service in coordination with US-led coalition forces. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed the news on Friday, praising Iraq’s ongoing fight against terrorism.

“The Iraqis continue their impressive victories over the forces of darkness and terrorism,” al-Sudani stated in a message on X.

Abu Khadija was considered the “deputy caliph” of ISIS and “one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world.”

US President Donald Trump also reacted to the news on Truth Social, stating, “Today the fugitive leader of ISIS in Iraq was killed. He was relentlessly hunted down by our intrepid warfighters” in coordination with Iraqi and Kurdish forces. “PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH!” he added.

A security official told CNN that the operation took place in Iraq’s western Anbar province and was carried out by an airstrike. Another official said the strike happened Thursday night, but confirmation of al-Rifai’s death came on Friday.

The announcement coincided with a visit by Syria’s top diplomat to Iraq, where both countries reaffirmed their commitment to combating ISIS.