ISIS Chief Abu Khadija Killed by Iraqi Forces with US Support

Iraqi security forces, supported by the US, killed Abu Khadija, the ISIS chief in Syria, described by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani as one of the world’s most dangerous terrorists. This development is part of ongoing efforts to combat ISIS, which has shown signs of attempting to reestablish its presence in the region after suffering significant setbacks since the death of its leader in 2019.

Abu Khadija, the head of ISIS in Syria, has been killed by Iraqi security forces with the assistance of the US-led coalition, as confirmed by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. The Prime Minister highlighted Abu Khadija as “one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world”. Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rufayi, who is known as Abu Khadija, was announced dead on Friday, indicating a significant blow to ISIS leadership.

The Islamic State, which governed millions under a strict Islamist regime in Syria and Iraq for several years, is currently attempting a resurgence in the Middle East and beyond. Following the declaration of a caliphate by former leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2014, the group experienced a decline after his death during a US raid in 2019, which precipitated its collapse.

US Central Command noted last July that ISIS has been trying to regain its strength after years of reduced operational capability. Their analysis was informed by ISIS’s alleged execution of 153 attacks in Iraq and Syria in the first half of 2024, indicating a potential doubling of attacks compared to the previous year.

The terrorist group has navigated various leadership challenges since the death of al-Baghdadi. Despite the turmoil in its leadership ranks, with several successors being eliminated shortly after their rise, ISIS still poses a considerable security threat through its networks in the Middle East and other areas.

The recent death of Abu Khadija marks a critical development in the fight against ISIS, showcasing ongoing challenges the group faces amidst leadership struggles. Though weakened, ISIS continues to enact violence in Syria and Iraq, attempting to restore its influence. The situation underscores the persistent risk posed by the organization and the necessity for continued vigilance against its resurgence.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com