The United States, in collaboration with Iraqi intelligence and security forces, reported the death of Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, commonly known as “Abu Khadijah,” in a precise airstrike in Iraq’s Al Anbar Province. Abu Khadijah was the Chief of Global Operations for the so-called Islamic State (ISIS) terror group, serving as the group’s global second-in-command. Another ISIS operative was killed during the March 13 strike.
According to US military officials, Abu Khadijah oversaw the terror group’s logistics, planning, and financial management worldwide.
ISIS Chief of Global Operations Killed by US Missile Strike
CENTCOM Forces Kill ISIS Chief of Global Operations Who Also Served as ISIS #2
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 15, 2025
On March 13, U.S. Central Command forces, in cooperation with Iraqi Intelligence and Security Forces, conducted a precision airstrike in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, that killed the Global ISIS #2 leader,… pic.twitter.com/rWeEoUY7Lw
Following the airstrike, US Central Command (CENTCOM) and Iraqi forces arrived on the scene to confirm the deaths of Abu Khadijah and the second ISIS fighter. According to CENTCOM, both men were found wearing unexploded suicide vests and carrying various weapons. Abu Khadijah’s identity was confirmed through a DNA match of samples seized from an earlier raid in which he narrowly eluded capture.
“Abu Khadijah was one of the most important ISIS members in the entire global ISIS organisation. 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,” General Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of US Central Command, said.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani hailed the operation, describing Abu Khadijah as “one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world.” In a post on social media platform X, al-Sudani confirmed that the operation was carried out with support from the US-led coalition.
The United States sanctioned Abu Khadijah in 2023, identifying him as the so-called governor of ISIS-controlled territory in Iraq and Syria. He also oversaw the group’s foreign operations. Despite ISIS’ territorial defeat in Iraq in 2017, the group has remained active, carrying out periodic attacks on Iraqi security forces.
“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,” wrote US President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform.Â
Approximately 2,500 US troops remain stationed in Iraq to support counterterrorism efforts and train Iraqi forces.Â
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