ISIS Leader in Iraq and Syria Killed in Joint Iraqi-U.S. Operation

Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, known as Abu Khadija, was targeted in an airstrike in Iraq's Anbar province, marking a significant blow to the terror group.

Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, also known as Abu Khadija, was killed in a joint operation by Iraqi intelligence and U.S.-led coalition forces in Anbar province, Iraq.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani described al-Rifai as 'one of the most dangerous terrorists in the world' and a key figure in ISIS leadership.
The operation involved an airstrike on Thursday night, with al-Rifai's death confirmed on Friday, according to security officials.
The announcement coincided with a visit from Syria's interim foreign minister, where Iraqi and Syrian officials discussed coordinated efforts against ISIS resurgence.
The U.S. and Iraq are preparing to wind down the American-led coalition's military mission in Iraq by September 2025, raising concerns about ISIS's potential resurgence.