U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces, in collaboration with Iraqi Intelligence and Security Forces, conducted a precision airstrike on March 13th, eliminating a key leader of the Islamic State (ISIS).
The airstrike, carried out in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, resulted in the death of Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, also known as “Abu Khadijah,” who held the positions of Global ISIS #2 leader, Chief of Global Operations, and Delegated Committee Emir. One other ISIS operative was also killed in the strike.
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Abu Khadijah was a high-ranking member of ISIS, responsible for the group’s global operations, logistics, and planning. He also oversaw a significant portion of ISIS’s global financial operations.
Following the airstrike, CENTCOM and Iraqi forces secured the site and confirmed the deaths of the two ISIS terrorists. Both individuals were found wearing unexploded “suicide vests” and carrying multiple weapons.
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Abu Khadijah’s identity was confirmed through a DNA match, obtained from a previous raid where he narrowly escaped capture.
“Abu Khadijah was one of the most important ISIS members in the entire global ISIS organization. We will continue to kill terrorists and dismantle their organizations that threaten our homeland and U.S., allied and partner personnel in the region and beyond,” stated Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander, U.S. Central Command.
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