Afghanistan Times
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Kabul AT: In a significant victory against the Islamic State (ISIS), the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that one of the highest-ranking members of ISIS, Abdullah Maki Misleh al-Rifai, also known as Abu Khadijah, was killed in a precise airstrike in Anbar province, Iraq. The operation, carried out on March 13, was a coordinated effort between U.S. forces and Iraqi intelligence and security teams.
Abu Khadijah, who held the crucial position of ISIS’s second-in-command, was a key strategist for the group’s global operations, overseeing logistics, planning, and financing. He had long been a target of international anti-terrorism efforts due to his central role in ISIS’s global terror network. Alongside him, another ISIS member was also killed in the attack. Both individuals were found with unexploded suicide vests and several weapons in their possession, indicating their continued preparation for violent operations.
CENTCOM confirmed the identity of Abu Khadijah through DNA testing after the operation. The strike is a major blow to ISIS, further diminishing the group’s leadership and ability to orchestrate terror on a global scale.
U.S. Central Command’s commander, General Michael Kurilla, expressed that the death of Abu Khadijah represents a critical blow to ISIS’s command structure. “Abu Khadijah was one of the most influential members of ISIS, and we will continue to eliminate terrorists and dismantle organizations that pose a threat to our country, our personnel, and our allies in the region,” said Kurilla.
The death of Abu Khadijah is a significant step in weakening ISIS, but the fight is far from over. Both Iraq and Syria continue to face the threat of ISIS attacks, and the stability of the region remains fragile. With ISIS’s ideology still resonating among extremists, and the group’s cells still active in certain areas, it is clear that the battle for peace and security in the Middle East will continue for the foreseeable future.
This airstrike marks yet another example of the international community’s commitment to countering terrorism and protecting civilian populations from extremist violence. The dismantling of ISIS’s leadership remains a priority, and this operation serves as a reminder that the fight against terrorism is ongoing and ever-evolving.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
