Senior Islamic State Leader Killed in Iraq, Confirms Prime Minister

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced the killing of senior Islamic State leader Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rufay’i, known as Abu Khadija, by Iraqi security forces with US coalition support. IS attempts to stage a comeback despite significant defeats, maintaining an alarming rate of attacks in 2024.

In a significant development, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced the death of Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rufay’i, also referred to as Abu Khadija, a senior leader of the Islamic State (IS) group. He characterized al-Rufay’i as “one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world.” This operation was executed by Iraqi security forces with assistance from the US-led coalition targeting IS.

The Islamic State was notorious for enforcing an extreme interpretation of Islamist rule across large territories in Syria and Iraq for several years. Although the group faced substantial setbacks, it continues to attempt a resurgence in the Middle East, as well as in the West and Asia.

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the former leader of IS, proclaimed a caliphate over significant parts of Iraq and Syria in 2014 before his demise during a raid by US special forces in 2019. This event marked a pivotal moment in the group’s decline.

According to a report from the US Central Command, the Islamic State has been trying to regain its footing after a period of diminished capabilities. The command noted that IS has claimed a total of 153 attacks in Iraq and Syria in the first half of 2024, indicating an alarming trend that suggests the group may be on track to significantly increase its operational tempo compared to the previous year.

The announcement of Abu Khadija’s death represents a critical victory for Iraqi security forces and the global coalition against terrorism. The ongoing attempts by the Islamic State to regroup highlight the persistent challenges posed by extremist groups in the region. The situation warrants continued vigilance and cooperative efforts to mitigate the threat of resurgence.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com