ISIS may still wave its black flag in the desert, but with each targeted strike, their leadership crumbles, and their so-called caliphate fades into the dust one terrorist at a time.
In a blow to the remnants of the Islamic State (ISIS), Iraqi national intelligence operatives, in collaboration with U.S.-led coalition forces, have eliminated Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, infamously known as “Abu Khadija,” an influential operative in the terror group in Iraq and Syria. This operation reflects the relentless pursuit of global security forces used to dismantle the leadership echelons of extremist organizations.
The Operation: Precision and Collaboration
Abu Khadija, also known as Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, was a senior leader of the Islamic State (ISIS) in Iraq and Syria. He was killed on March 13, 2025, in a precision airstrike carried out by Iraqi intelligence forces with support from the U.S.-led coalition. The strike targeted him in Iraq’s Al Anbar province and also resulted in the death of another ISIS operative. His identity was later confirmed through DNA testing from an earlier raid in which he had narrowly escaped capture.
As the Emir of ISIS’s top decision-making body, Abu Khadija played a critical role in the group’s global operations. He was responsible for overseeing logistics, planning attacks, and managing the organization’s financial networks. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani described him as “one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world.” His death is considered a major setback for ISIS, as it disrupts its ability to coordinate operations and finance extremist activities.
U.S. President Donald Trump praised the operation, highlighting its success in weakening terrorist networks and improving security in the region. Despite Iraq declaring victory over ISIS in 2017, the group continues to operate through sleeper cells and sporadic attacks. The strike on Abu Khadija demonstrates the ongoing efforts by Iraqi and coalition forces to prevent the resurgence of ISIS and maintain stability in the region.
Abu Khadija: An Architect of Terror
Abu Khadija, also known as Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, was a central figure in ISIS, known for his strategic leadership and role in planning the group’s global operations. His involvement in extremist activities began in 2009 when he joined al-Qaeda. After escaping prison in 2011, he climbed the ranks within ISIS during the group’s rapid territorial expansion in Iraq and Syria. Over time, he became the “Deputy Caliph” and the Emir of ISIS’s highest decision-making body, solidifying his influence within the organization.
As the chief of global operations, Abu Khadija managed logistics, financial planning, and the coordination of terrorist attacks worldwide. He played a key role in helping ISIS rebuild after losing significant territory, overseeing sleeper cells and planning attacks across Iraq and Syria. He was also responsible for securing funding to keep the group’s global operations running and developing strategies to maintain its influence despite military defeats.
His death in a precision airstrike on March 13, 2025, delivered a major blow to ISIS’s leadership and ability to operate effectively. By eliminating one of the group’s top strategists, coalition forces disrupted ISIS’s efforts to regain strength and spread terror across the region.
In a blow to the remnants of the Islamic State (ISIS), Iraqi national intelligence operatives, in collaboration with U.S.-led coalition forces, have eliminated Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, infamously known as “Abu Khadija,” an influential operative in the terror group in Iraq and Syria. This operation reflects the relentless pursuit of global security forces used to dismantle the leadership echelons of extremist organizations.
The Operation: Precision and Collaboration
Abu Khadija, also known as Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, was a senior leader of the Islamic State (ISIS) in Iraq and Syria. He was killed on March 13, 2025, in a precision airstrike carried out by Iraqi intelligence forces with support from the U.S.-led coalition. The strike targeted him in Iraq’s Al Anbar province and also resulted in the death of another ISIS operative. His identity was later confirmed through DNA testing from an earlier raid in which he had narrowly escaped capture.
As the Emir of ISIS’s top decision-making body, Abu Khadija played a critical role in the group’s global operations. He was responsible for overseeing logistics, planning attacks, and managing the organization’s financial networks. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani described him as “one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world.” His death is considered a major setback for ISIS, as it disrupts its ability to coordinate operations and finance extremist activities.
U.S. President Donald Trump praised the operation, highlighting its success in weakening terrorist networks and improving security in the region. Despite Iraq declaring victory over ISIS in 2017, the group continues to operate through sleeper cells and sporadic attacks. The strike on Abu Khadija demonstrates the ongoing efforts by Iraqi and coalition forces to prevent the resurgence of ISIS and maintain stability in the region.
Abu Khadija: An Architect of Terror
Abu Khadija, also known as Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, was a central figure in ISIS, known for his strategic leadership and role in planning the group’s global operations. His involvement in extremist activities began in 2009 when he joined al-Qaeda. After escaping prison in 2011, he climbed the ranks within ISIS during the group’s rapid territorial expansion in Iraq and Syria. Over time, he became the “Deputy Caliph” and the Emir of ISIS’s highest decision-making body, solidifying his influence within the organization.
As the chief of global operations, Abu Khadija managed logistics, financial planning, and the coordination of terrorist attacks worldwide. He played a key role in helping ISIS rebuild after losing significant territory, overseeing sleeper cells and planning attacks across Iraq and Syria. He was also responsible for securing funding to keep the group’s global operations running and developing strategies to maintain its influence despite military defeats.
His death in a precision airstrike on March 13, 2025, delivered a major blow to ISIS’s leadership and ability to operate effectively. By eliminating one of the group’s top strategists, coalition forces disrupted ISIS’s efforts to regain strength and spread terror across the region.
Leadership Decapitation: A Tactical Triumph
The targeted killing of high-ranking terrorist leaders like al-Rifai serves a dual purpose: it cripples the organization’s command structure and sows seeds of distrust and disarray within the ranks. Such precision strikes are instrumental in diminishing the operational capabilities of terror groups, compelling them into reactive postures rather than offensive maneuvers. This approach has been pivotal in the global counterterrorism strategy, aiming to render these groups leaderless and directionless.
Global Reactions: A Unified Front
The successful operation drew commendations from global leaders. U.S. President Donald Trump, on his Truth Social platform, lauded the mission, stating, “Today, the fugitive leader of ISIS in Iraq was killed. He was relentlessly hunted down by our intrepid warfighters. His miserable life was terminated, along with another member of ISIS, in coordination with the Iraqi Government and the Kurdish regional government. PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.” This sentiment echoes the collective relief and resolve of nations united against the scourge of terrorism.
The Road Ahead: Toning Down the Celebration
While the demise of Abu Khadija is admirable, the war against ISIS and its ideological counterparts is far from over. The group’s resilience is often bolstered by decentralized cells capable of autonomous operations. Therefore, sustained intelligence efforts, community engagement to counter radicalization, and international collaboration remain paramount. The global community must remain vigilant, adaptive, and united to preempt and neutralize emerging threats.
According to former CIA intelligence analyst and targeting officer Sarah Adams, maybe we shouldn’t be high fiving each other so much over this targeted killing (my words, not hers). What she said in X when asked if Abu Khadija was a nobody was, “Not a nobody, but definitely not the #2 as claimed. If they’d stop inventing titles, that’d be one thing- but we can’t keep pretending we’re taking out masterminds, #2s, or the heads of al-Qaeda in Syria when we’re not.”
I trust Sarah on this one; she knows who’s really in charge. If you’re not following her on X, you’re missing out on a lot of really good intel.
Here is a list of ISIS leadership for targeting, given the apparent confusion over who is actually in charge:
– Abu Hafs al-Hashimi al-Qurashi – Emir of ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
– Gulmurod Khalimov – ISIS #2, currently based in northern Afghanistan.
Iraqi intelligence forces, in coordination with the U.S.-led coalition, eliminated Abu Khadija, an ISIS leader, in a precision airstrike, dealing a major blow to the group’s operational capabilities. His death disrupts ISIS’s leadership and underscores the ongoing global efforts to prevent the group’s resurgence.
As someone who’s seen what happens when the truth is distorted, I know how unfair it feels when those who’ve sacrificed the most lose their voice. At SOFREP, our veteran journalists, who once fought for freedom, now fight to bring you unfiltered, real-world intel. But without your support, we risk losing this vital source of truth. By subscribing, you’re not just leveling the playing field—you’re standing with those who’ve already given so much, ensuring they continue to serve by delivering stories that matter. Every subscription means we can hire more veterans and keep their hard-earned knowledge in the fight. Don’t let their voices be silenced. Please consider subscribing now.
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Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, Bestselling Author and Editor-in-Chief
Guy D. McCardle is a sixteen-year veteran of the United States Army and most recently served as a Medical Operations Officer during OIF I and OIF II. He holds a degree in Biology from Washington & Jefferson College and is a graduate of the US Army Academy of Health Sciences. Guy has been a contributing writer to Apple News, Business Insider, International Business Times, and
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