Iraqi Forces Eliminate ISIS Leader Abu Khadija, A Major Terror Threat
Iraqi forces, supported by the U.S.-led coalition, have killed ISIS leader Abu Khadija, marking a crucial step in combating the group. Despite setbacks, ISIS is reportedly attempting to regain power, launching numerous attacks. The organization has shifted tactics from holding territory to guerrilla warfare, spreading its influence into Africa and Afghanistan, particularly through the IS Khorasan branch.
Iraqi security forces, with assistance from the U.S.-led coalition, have successfully eliminated Abu Khadija, the leader of the Islamic State (IS) group in Iraq and Syria. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed the death of Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rufay’i, labeling him as “one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world.” This operation underscores the ongoing efforts to combat IS and its attempts to reclaim territory in the region.
The Islamic State, once dominant in parts of Iraq and Syria, has attempted to recover its strength following the collapse of its self-declared caliphate in 2014. According to the U.S. Central Command, IS has seen increased activity, with an estimated 153 attacks in the first half of 2024, potentially signaling a resurgence in their operational capacity despite previous reductions.
From 2014 to 2017, IS exerted brutal control over significant territories, implementing severe punishments and exporting violence globally. After sustained military interventions, including those from a U.S.-backed coalition, IS lost substantial territory and shifted to a guerrilla warfare strategy, dispersing its fighters in remote areas while others traveled to conflict zones in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Moreover, the organization has extended its reach beyond the Middle East, particularly in Africa, where it seeks to increase its influence. The group also operates the IS Khorasan branch (ISIS-K), which has become a substantial threat under the leadership of Sanaullah Ghafari, known for executing attacks outside its traditional bases.
The elimination of Abu Khadija is a significant development in the fight against ISIS, reflecting the ongoing military efforts to eradicate the group’s influence. Despite this success, ISIS continues to adapt and pose threats in Iraq, Syria, and even other regions such as Africa and Afghanistan. As the coalition’s operations persist, the global community must remain vigilant against the evolving terrorist tactics employed by the organization.
Original Source: news.abplive.com
