Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced the death of Abdullah Maki Musleh al-Rifai, a significant ISIS leader, during an operation by Iraqi security forces and a U.S.-led coalition. Al-Rifai was considered one of the most dangerous terrorists globally and served as the emir of ISIS’s Iraqi division. His death follows a trend of leadership losses within ISIS since the passing of former leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2019, as the group struggles to maintain its hierarchical structure.
On Friday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed the death of Abdullah Maki Musleh al-Rifai, the prominent leader of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, recognized as one of the most dangerous terrorists. This operation was executed by Iraqi security forces in collaboration with a U.S.-led coalition against the militant group.
Prime Minister Sudani expressed congratulations to the Iraqi people and those who cherish peace, citing this event as a significant security achievement. He labeled al-Rifai, also known as Abu Khadija, as a major threat both in Iraq and globally.
Al-Rifai, born in 1991 in the Balad District of Salah ad Din Province, held the title of ‘Deputy Caliph’ and was the emir of Bilad al-Rafidayn, the Iraqi division of ISIS. His elimination follows a series of leadership upheavals within the organization since the death of former leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2019.
Although ISIS previously enacted a stringent Islamist regime in Syria and Iraq, the militant group has faced challenges in maintaining leadership stability, resulting in multiple successors being killed in quick succession. Despite the loss of territorial control, ISIS continues to strive for resurgence within the Middle East, the West, and Asia.
The death of al-Baghdadi, noted for his brutality, severely impacted the group, which lost its hold on all previously occupied regions. Nonetheless, remnants of ISIS remain active, committed to orchestrating attacks, as reported by The Guardian.
The elimination of Abdullah Maki Musleh al-Rifai marks a critical victory in combating ISIS, reinforcing efforts to dismantle the group’s leadership. This achievement highlights ongoing security challenges in Iraq, as the remnants of ISIS persist in attempting to regain influence. The struggle for stability in the region continues, alongside the international coalition’s commitment to curbing terrorism.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
