President Donald Trump announced the death of a top ISIS leader in Iraq, calling him a fugitive. In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised U.S. military personnel for their role in tracking down the individual. He stated that the operation was carried out in partnership with the Iraqi government and the Kurdish Regional Government.
The leader, identified as Abdallah Makki Muslih Al-Rufay’i, also known as Abu Khadija, was reportedly killed in an airstrike in Anbar province, western Iraq. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani confirmed the news on social media, highlighting the efforts of the Iraqi National Intelligence Service and the support from international coalition forces. Al-Rufay’i held several high-ranking positions within ISIS, including Deputy Caliph and overseer of external operations.
Al-Sudani expressed pride in the Iraqi forces, noting their continued success against terrorism. He congratulated the Iraqi people and all nations that value peace on this significant achievement. The operation took place on a Thursday night, showcasing the ongoing commitment of Iraqi and coalition forces to combat ISIS threats.
This development marks another step in the fight against ISIS, a group that has caused significant turmoil in the region. The elimination of such a key figure is seen as a victory for Iraq and its allies in the ongoing battle against extremism.