March 15 (UPI) — A senior Islamic State leader was killed by American and Iraqi military forces in an airstrike, according to a social media post from US Central Command.
Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, also known as Abu Khadijah, was killed in Iraq’s western Al Anbar Province after a “precision airstrike” earlier this week, according to CENTCOM.
American and Iraqi forces used DNA analysis to confirm al-Rifai’s identity. Another Islamic State operative was killed during the operation.
CENTCOM Forces Kill ISIS Chief of Global Operations, Also Known as ISIS #2
On March 13, US Central Command forces, in collaboration with Iraqi Intelligence and Security Forces, conducted a precision airstrike in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, that killed the Global ISIS #2 leader,… pic.twitter.com/rWeEoUY7Lw. — United States Central Command (@CENTCOM), March 15, 2025.
Both men were wearing explosive vests and carrying multiple weapons at the time.
“Abu Khadijah was a key member of ISIS’s global organization. “We will continue to kill terrorists and dismantle their organizations that threaten our homeland and US, allied, and partner personnel in the region and beyond,” CENTCOM Commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla stated in a post on X.
The US military described al-Rifai as the Islamic State’s “#2 leader” and “the Emir of ISIS’ most senior decision-making body.”
According to American officials, al-Rifai was active in Iraq and Syria while also serving as the Islamic State’s Chief of Global Operations.
“Abu Khadijah maintained responsibility for operations, logistics, and planning conducted by ISIS globally, and directs a significant portion of finance for the group’s global organization,” according to CENTCOM.
President Donald Trump celebrated on social media.
“His miserable life was cut short, along with that of another ISIS member, in collaboration with the Iraqi and Kurdish Regional Governments. “PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH,” Trump declared on his Truth social media platform.
United States Central Command is one of the Defense Department’s unified combatant commands.
In late January, CENTCOM carried out an airstrike that killed a senior member of an al-Qaida-affiliated group in northwest Syria.
