Head of ISIS in Iraq and Syria Killed in Joint Operation by Iraqi Intelligence and U.S. Forces
The head of ISIS in Iraq and Syria, Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, has been killed in an operation involving Iraqi intelligence and U.S.-led coalition forces. This announcement coincided with a visit from Syria’s top diplomat, emphasizing the need for collaboration against IS. The relationship between Iraq and Syria remains complex, especially following the Syrian civil war. Iraqi officials express concerns regarding potential IS resurgence post-Assad.
The head of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria has been killed in an operation executed by Iraq’s national intelligence service, supported by U.S.-led coalition forces, as announced by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. He described the ongoing efforts against terrorism as impressive victories for Iraq. Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, known as “Abu Khadija,” was regarded as a dangerous figure within the militant organization. This significant operation involved an airstrike in Anbar province and confirmed al-Rifai’s death on Friday.
This announcement coincided with the visit of Syria’s top diplomat to Iraq, where both nations emphasized collaboration against the threat of Islamic State. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein addressed the common challenges faced by both countries and outlined their discussions about ISIS movements across borders. An operations room constituted by Syria, Iraq, Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon is being established to confront the militant group effectively.
Iraq and Syria have complex relations, historically influenced by the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad. Current Iraqi Prime Minister al-Sudani’s administration has support from Iran-backed factions, which complicates ties with Syria. However, Syrian interim Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani highlighted the historical unity between Baghdad and Damascus, emphasizing the need for collaboration to stabilize the region and reduce external dependencies.
The occurrence of the military operation and diplomatic dialogue comes amid concerns of a potential resurgence of IS following Assad’s fall. While Syria’s new authorities have been active against IS cells, fears of security deterioration persist. Last year, an agreement to conclude the U.S.-led coalition’s military mission in Iraq by September 2025 was reached, grounded in previously assessed control over IS threats. However, the recent power shift in Syria has triggered a reassessment of this viewpoint among Iraqi political groups, particularly within the Coordination Framework, which supports al-Sudani’s administration.
The successful elimination of Abu Khadija represents a critical development in the ongoing struggle against the Islamic State in Iraq. The cooperation between Iraq and Syria underscores the urgency of addressing the threats posed by militant groups in the region. As geopolitical dynamics evolve, the need for a cohesive strategy remains vital to ensure regional stability and security.
Original Source: www.military.com
