Top ISIS leader Abu Khadija killed in joint US-Iraqi operation, confirms Trump

Trump takes credit for killing ISIS leader in Iraq

US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that a key leader of the Islamic State (ISIS) in Iraq, along with another unidentified member of the terror group, was killed in a coordinated operation involving US, Iraqi, and Kurdish forces.

Iraqi PM confirms elimination of Abu Khadija

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed the operation, identifying the slain ISIS leader as Abdullah Maki Musleh al-Rifai, also known as Abu Khadija. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), al-Sudani praised the efforts of Iraqi security forces and the US-led coalition, calling Abu Khadija “one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world.” He emphasized that his elimination marks a major victory in Iraq’s ongoing fight against terrorism.

Trump declares victory over ISIS leader

Trump shared the news on his social media platform Truth Social, stating:

“Today, the fugitive leader of ISIS in Iraq was killed. He was relentlessly hunted down by our intrepid warfighters.”

Shortly after Trump’s announcement, the White House released visuals of the airstrike that led to Abu Khadija’s death.

Coordinated operation leads to successful strike

Trump detailed the collaborative nature of the mission, emphasizing the joint efforts between US, Iraqi, and Kurdish forces:

“His miserable life was terminated, along with another member of ISIS, in coordination with the Iraqi Government and the Kurdish Regional Government. PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH!”

Abu Khadija’s role in ISIS

Abu Khadija was a high-ranking ISIS operative known for his lethal influence within the organization. Intelligence reports suggested that he was a potential candidate for the position of ISIS’s global leader (“caliph”), given his prominent role in the group’s command structure.

Airstrike executed in Iraq’s Anbar province

A security official informed the Associated Press that the operation was carried out through an airstrike in Iraq’s western Anbar province. Another official confirmed that the strike took place on Thursday night, though the announcement was made on Friday.

Strategic timing: Coincides with Syria-Iraq diplomatic talks

The announcement of Abu Khadija’s death coincided with the visit of Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani to Iraq. Both nations have been actively working to eliminate ISIS remnants along their shared borders.

During a joint press conference with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, al-Shaibani emphasized Syria’s commitment to security cooperation:

“Security is a shared responsibility. We are ready to reinforce cooperation with Iraq in the fight against Daesh along the entire border. Terrorism knows no borders.”

Call for Iraq-Syria border reopening

Al-Shaibani also stressed the importance of reopening the Iraq-Syria border, citing its potential to boost trade and strengthen bilateral ties. The border was closed in December due to security concerns following the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, whose government maintained close relations with Baghdad.

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