'Relentlessly Hunted Down': Trump Announces Killing of ISIS Leader Abu Khadija in Iraq

Washington DC: US President Donald Trump on Saturday confirmed that Abdullah Maki Musleh al-Rifai was killed in a coordinated operation involving US, Iraqi, and Kurdish forces. Sharing the details, Trump highlighted the collaborative nature of the operation, noting that it was carried out in coordination with the Iraqi government and the Kurdish Regional Government.

In a post on his social media platform Social Truth, Trump said, "Today the fugitive leader of ISIS in Iraq was killed. He was relentlessly hunted down by our intrepid warfighters. 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!"

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Earlier, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani also confirmed the operation, hailing it as a major success in the fight against terrorism.

Calling him as "one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world," the Iraqi PM in his post stated, The Iraqis continue their dazzling victories over the forces of darkness and terrorism. The heroes of the Iraqi National Intelligence Service, with the support and coordination of the Joint Operations Command and the International Coalition Forces, were able to kill the terrorist Abdullah Maki Musleh al-Rifai, nicknamed (Abu Khadija), who holds the position of the so-called (Deputy Caliph, who also holds the position of the so-called Governor of Iraq and Syria, the head of the authorized committee, and the head of the foreign operations offices). He is considered one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world. We congratulate Iraq, Iraqis, and all peace-loving peoples on this important security achievement."

The operation took place in Iraq's western Anbar province, where a precision airstrike was used to target Abu Khadija.

The strike occurred on Thursday night, and the news was officially released on Friday. Shortly after Trump's announcement, the White House shared visuals of the airstrike that led to the elimination of the ISIS leader.

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Who Was Abu Khadija?

Abu Khadija was considered one of ISIS's highest-ranking members and was seen as a potential successor to the group's global leadership, or "caliph," due to his influential role within the organization.

His death represents a significant blow to the terror group, which has faced ongoing military pressure from international coalitions.

The timing of the announcement coincided with the visit of Syria's interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani to Iraq. During a joint press conference with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, al-Shaibani expressed Syria's commitment to further strengthening cooperation with Iraq in the fight against ISIS remnants. He underscored the importance of bolstering security along the Iraq-Syria border, emphasizing that “terrorism knows no borders.”

Al-Shaibani also highlighted the need to reopen the Iraq-Syria border to improve trade and reinforce bilateral relations between the two nations. The border had been closed in December following security concerns, but with Syria's ongoing efforts to stabilize and combat ISIS, both countries are looking to rebuild ties and enhance cooperation in securing their shared border.