Iraqi Forces Kill ISIL Leader Abu Khadija in Key Operation

The death of Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rufay’i, described as a top ISIL figure, marks a significant step in Iraq's ongoing fight against terrorism.

Iraqi security forces, supported by the U.S.-led coalition, killed Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rufay’i, also known as Abu Khadija, in an airstrike in Anbar province.
Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani called Abu Khadija one of the most dangerous terrorists globally and hailed the operation as a major victory against ISIL remnants.
The operation highlights Iraq’s continued efforts to combat ISIL sleeper cells, which remain active despite the group losing territorial control in 2017.
The announcement coincided with a visit by Syria’s interim foreign minister to Baghdad, where both nations pledged to strengthen cooperation against ISIL threats along their shared border.
The operation comes as Iraq prepares for the planned reduction of U.S.-led coalition forces by September 2025, raising concerns about the potential resurgence of ISIL.