Iraqi forces, supported by the U.S.-led coalition, have killed Abu Khadija, the leader of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. This action is pivotal as IS seeks to regain strength after losing its territorial hold. Despite decreased visibility since its caliphate’s collapse, the group continues to operate through guerrilla tactics and has a growing presence in Africa and other regions.
Iraqi security forces, with the backing of the U.S.-led coalition, have successfully eliminated Abu Khadija, the chief of the Islamic State (IS) group in Iraq and Syria. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed the death of Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rufay’i, highlighting him as “one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world.” This operation is part of ongoing efforts to counter the resurgence of ISIS in the region.
Abu Khadija’s elimination marks a significant moment as Islamic State has been attempting to regain power after losing its proclaimed “caliphate” in 2014. This territory was claimed under former leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was killed in a U.S. operation in 2019. Recently, U.S. Central Command reported that IS is attempting to rebuild its strength, citing a worrying increase in attacks across Iraq and Syria.
From 2014 to 2017, IS enforced strict Islamist rule over extensive areas in Iraq and Syria and was notorious for severe punishments and global terrorist acts. Despite the collapse of their territorial claims, the group has mutated into guerrilla warfare tactics, operating through dispersed cells and maintaining a presence in distant areas.
Many IS fighters have found refuge in remote territories within Iraq and Syria, while others have relocated to regions such as Afghanistan and Pakistan. The IS Khorasan branch (ISIS-K), led by Sanaullah Ghafari, has also emerged as a particularly deadly faction. Moreover, ISIS’s influence has spread beyond the Middle East into various African territories, indicating a broadening operational scope.
The death of Abu Khadija, a key figure in the Islamic State, underscores the continued threat posed by the organization, even after the loss of its territorial claims. The evolving nature of ISIS, from a caliphate to guerrilla warfare, highlights the ongoing challenge for security forces in the region and the necessity for international cooperation in combating terrorism. IS’s expansion into Africa further complicates the global security landscape, necessitating vigilant monitoring and strategic action against the group.
Original Source: news.abplive.com
