Senior Islamic State Leader Killed in Iraq, Trump Declares 'Miserable Life Terminated'

The leader of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, also known as "Abu Khadija," has been killed in a joint operation by the Iraqi national intelligence service and U.S.-led coalition forces, Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed on Friday.

In a statement, al-Sudani described al-Rifai as "one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world." The operation marks a significant blow to the remnants of ISIS, which continues to pose a global threat despite being largely dismantled in recent years.

U.S. President Donald Trump, never one to mince words, responded on his social media platform Truth Social, saying, "Today the fugitive leader of ISIS in Iraq was killed. His miserable life was terminated, along with another member of ISIS, in coordination with the Iraqi Government and the Kurdish Regional Government." He also added his signature rallying cry: "PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH!"

According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the strike took place in Iraq's Al Anbar Province and targeted al-Rifai, who served as the "Global ISIS #2 leader, Chief of Global Operations, and the Delegated Committee Emir." CENTCOM revealed that al-Rifai was responsible for overseeing operations, logistics, and planning for ISIS on a global scale, as well as managing a significant portion of the group's financial network.

Following the airstrike, U.S. and Iraqi forces moved to the location and confirmed the deaths of both al-Rifai and another ISIS operative. Both targets were found wearing unexploded suicide vests and carrying multiple weapons. DNA collected in a prior raid was used to verify al-Rifai's identity, CENTCOM noted.

General Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM, issued a statement emphasizing the importance of this operation: "Abu Khadijah was one of the most important ISIS members in the entire global ISIS organization. We will continue to kill terrorists and dismantle their organizations that threaten our homeland and U.S., allied, and partner personnel in the region and beyond."

The operation underscores the continued commitment of U.S. and Iraqi forces to eradicating what remains of ISIS's leadership. While the group is a shadow of its former self, its decentralized network still presents a risk, particularly in regions like the Middle East and North Africa.