Abu Khadija, the ISIS chief in Syria, was killed by Iraqi forces with US support. Iraqi PM Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed his status as a significant terrorist threat. Despite previous setbacks, ISIS is trying to regain influence and has reported an increase in attacks in Iraq and Syria, posing ongoing national security risks.
Iraqi security forces have successfully killed Abu Khadija, the Islamic State’s chief in Syria, with assistance from the US-led coalition. This information was shared by Iraq’s Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who labeled Khadija as “one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world.” Abu Khadija, whose real name is Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rufayi, was noted for his significant terrorist activities and influence.
The Islamic State, which ruled over millions in Iraq and Syria using a strict interpretation of Islam, is now attempting to regain influence across the Middle East, the West, and Asia. The group previously declared a caliphate in 2014 under former leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was later killed in a US raid in 2019, which contributed to the organization’s decline.
Despite facing losses, including the deaths of several leaders, ISIS is currently trying to re-establish itself. The US Central Command indicated that the group had claimed responsibility for 153 attacks in Iraq and Syria in the first half of 2024 alone, suggesting an alarming potential for increased violence, as this may more than double their activities from the previous year.
ISIS remains a pertinent national security threat owing to its network and operational branches across the Middle East and beyond. Although it has been challenged by leadership instability, particularly following the death of Baghdadi, its capacity for orchestrating attacks continues to pose risks in various regions.
The recent death of Abu Khadija marks a significant blow to ISIS in a time when the group is attempting to reorganize and increase its influence. With continuous attempts to mount operations, the response from Iraqi and coalition forces remains critical to curbing its resurgence. The evolving dynamics highlight the persistent threat that ISIS presents in the region despite the challenges it faces in leadership and operational effectiveness.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
