U.S. Central Command announced the successful airstrike that killed Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, ISIS’s second in command, in Iraq’s Anbar Province. The strike highlights ongoing U.S. military operations targeting ISIS remnants despite the group’s lost territory. Conflicting accounts regarding the operation’s attribution emerged between U.S. and Iraqi officials.
United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the killing of Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, known as “Abu Khadijah,” who served as the second in command of ISIS and its chief of global operations. The airstrike that resulted in his death occurred on March 13 in the Anbar Province of western Iraq, while he was traveling in a vehicle.
Al-Rifai was described by the U.S. as the “Emir of ISIS’ most senior decision-making body” and held crucial responsibilities regarding global operations, logistics, and financial direction for the terrorist organization. His death was initially reported by the Iraqi government, with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani labeling al-Rifai as “one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world.”
The discrepancy emerged regarding the knowledge of the circumstances surrounding al-Rifai’s death, as Iraq’s Prime Minister attributed the killing to Iraqi security forces, supported by coalition efforts. In contrast, CENTCOM provided evidence through shared video footage showing the sequence of the airstrike that targeted his vehicle.
The airstrike involved two precise munitions strikes, leading to significant explosion effects. CENTCOM confirmed that DNA comparisons between the bodies recovered at the site and previous samples linked to an earlier raid on al-Rifai confirmed his identity. Additionally, both victims were found with explosive vests that had not detonated.
Despite the decline of ISIS’s territorial influence in Syria, the U.S.-led coalition continues to conduct operations against the group across the Middle East and Africa. Approximately 2,500 U.S. troops remain stationed in Iraq, collaborating with Iraqi forces and Syrian Democratic Forces in operations targeting ISIS remnants.
In summary, the recent U.S. airstrike that resulted in the death of ISIS’s second in command, Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, represents a significant blow to the organization. The operation showcased the coordination between U.S. intelligence and military forces, emphasizing ongoing efforts to dismantle ISIS despite its diminished territorial footprint. This incident reaffirms the commitment of the United States and its allies to counter terrorism in the region.
Original Source: taskandpurpose.com
