The leader of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, known as Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai or “Abu Khadija,” has been killed in Iraq following a coordinated operation by the Iraqi national intelligence service and US-led coalition forces. This significant development was announced by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who hailed it as another victory against terrorism.
In his statement on X, formerly Twitter, al-Sudani referred to the successful operation as a testament to Iraq’s ongoing fight against terror, describing al-Rifai as a key figure in the group and one of the most dangerous terrorists globally. The operation, reportedly an airstrike conducted in Anbar province, occurred the previous evening, although the official confirmation of his death was made public only on Friday.
US President Donald Trump commented on the occasion via his Truth Social platform, asserting that al-Rifai was a fugitive leader relentlessly pursued by coalition forces, reinforcing the idea of “peace through strength.”
The announcement of this operation coincided with the first official visit by Syria’s foreign minister to Iraq, where both nations pledged cooperation in combating the threat posed by the Islamic State. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein noted that they had discussed shared challenges related to IS and the movements of the group across borders.
In an effort to enhance collaboration, officials from Syria, Iraq, Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon are set to establish an operational room aimed at addressing the resurgence of IS. Iraqi Prime Minister al-Sudani’s administration is particularly vigilant given the shifting dynamics in Syria following the fall of Bashar Assad, a scenario that raised concerns about the stability of the region.
While both Iraq and Syria share a long history and have previously collaborated on various fronts, the relationship has been complicated due to political developments in both nations. Coalition agreements, including plans for a phased withdrawal of US forces by September 2025, have led Iraqi officials to reevaluate their security needs against a backdrop of potential IS resurgence, particularly as new power dynamics emerge in Syria.
Hussein emphasised the importance of solidifying ties between Iraq and Syria, citing their historical shared heritage and the potential for cooperative security efforts to enhance regional stability and autonomy. The fight against IS remains a priority for both governments as they confront evolving threats.