ISIS Leader Killed in Joint Operation by Iraqi Forces and U.S.-Led Coalition

In a significant blow to the Islamic State (ISIS), Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced Friday that Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, also known as “Abu Khadija,” the deputy caliph of ISIS, has been killed in an operation by the Iraqi national intelligence service in collaboration with U.S.-led coalition forces.

The operation, which took place in the Anbar province of western Iraq, was carried out via an airstrike. According to officials, al-Rifai, considered one of the most dangerous terrorists in the region, was confirmed dead on Friday after the operation, which occurred late Thursday night.

Prime Minister al-Sudani lauded the operation as a major victory in the ongoing fight against terrorism, saying, “The Iraqis continue their impressive victories over the forces of darkness and terrorism.” Al-Rifai’s death marks a significant moment in the fight against ISIS, a terrorist group that has long caused instability across Iraq and Syria.

The announcement coincided with the first visit by Syria’s foreign minister to Iraq, during which both nations pledged to strengthen cooperation in combating ISIS. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein emphasized the shared challenges faced by Syria and Iraq in confronting the terrorist group, especially along the Syria-Iraq border.

“We have discussed in detail the movements of ISIS, whether on the Syrian-Iraqi border, inside Syria or inside Iraq,” Hussein said. He also referenced the establishment of an operations room by regional powers — including Syria, Iraq, Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon — to tackle ISIS threats, signaling a regional commitment to combat terrorism more effectively.

The joint military effort highlights the complex regional dynamics, as Iraq and Syria work to address shared security concerns. Despite some political frictions between the two nations, especially regarding the fallout from the Syrian civil war and the Assad regime's fall, both countries are uniting to face the ongoing challenge posed by ISIS.

Concerns about a potential ISIS resurgence have emerged following the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, with fears that the group could exploit security gaps in the region. Some analysts worry that the situation could allow ISIS to re-establish its presence, not just in Syria but also in Iraq.

In line with this, the U.S. and Iraq recently agreed to reduce the U.S. military presence in Iraq by September 2025, as Iraqi officials previously stated that ISIS had been defeated. However, the recent developments in Syria have prompted a reassessment of this position, with some Iraqi political leaders questioning the viability of the current strategy.