Iraqi Prime Minister Announces Killing of ISIS Leader with U.S. Support
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced the killing of Abu Khadija, the Islamic State leader in Iraq and Syria, through an operation by Iraqi intelligence and U.S.-led coalition forces. This event coincided with a visit from Syria’s Foreign Minister, underscoring cooperation between Iraq and Syria against IS amid concerns of a resurgence following political changes in Syria.
The Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, announced the death of the head of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria during an operation conducted by the Iraqi national intelligence service in collaboration with U.S.-led coalition forces. Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, known as “Abu Khadija,” was recognized as a significant terrorist figure, described in the statement as one of the world’s most dangerous individuals associated with the group. The operation reportedly took place in Anbar province and included an airstrike, with confirmation of al-Rifai’s death received the following day.
The announcement coincided with the historic visit of Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani to Iraq, where both nations pledged cooperation in confronting the threat posed by the Islamic State. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein emphasized the shared challenges between the two countries and elaborated on discussions held regarding IS movements along the Syrian-Iraqi border. Hussein also mentioned a collaborative operations room involving Syria, Iraq, Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon tasked with tackling IS activities, set to commence operations soon.
Iraqi-Syrian relations remain complex post-Assad, with Prime Minister al-Sudani supported by Iran-backed factions. Conversely, al-Shaybani emphasized the historic connections between Baghdad and Damascus, indicating that a robust partnership would enhance regional stability and reduce dependence on external influences.
Concerns regarding a resurgence of IS following Assad’s fall have prompted exchanges of sentiments concerning security strategies, especially given the changing political landscape in Syria under the influence of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. While an agreement was made in 2022 to reduce the U.S. military presence in Iraq by September 2025, recent developments have led some Iraqi leaders to rethink their position on military assistance from Washington, particularly following the heightened risks posed by IS cells.
The killing of the Islamic State leader marks a crucial victory for Iraq against terrorism. The collaboration between Iraq and Syria reflects their commitment to addressing shared threats effectively. However, ongoing concerns about IS resurgence amidst shifting political dynamics necessitate continued vigilance and potential reassessment of foreign military support in the region.
Original Source: apnews.com
