The leader of Islamic State (IS) in Iraq and Syria, known as Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, alias ‘Abu Khadijah,’ has been killed in an airstrike conducted in western Iraq. Iraqi officials, along with US military commanders, confirmed the death of the “global ISIS #2 leader” as well a chief of global operations and the delegated committee emir. According to Donald Trump’s post on Truth Social, al-Rifai was “relentlessly hunted down by our intrepid warriors and his life ended in misery.” The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated they conducted the precision airstrike in Al Anbar Province in collaboration with Iraqi intelligence and security forces. After the attack, the site was examined where two bodies wearing unexploded suicide vests and multiple weapons were found. Abu Khadija’s death was confirmed through DNA testing. The operation aligns with the visit of Syria’s top diplomat to Iraq, where the countries pledged to work together in the fight against IS. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani urged continued victories over forces of “darkness and terrorism”. There are concerns of an IS resurgence following political changes in Syria.

Source: https://news.sky.com/story/his-miserable-life-was-terminated-says-trump-after-airstrike-kills-head-of-islamic-state-in-iraq-and-syria-13328893