Head of ISIS in Iraq, Syria killed, Iraqi prime minister says

The Iraqi prime minister has announced the death of the head of Daesh in Iraq and Syria, following an operation conducted by the Iraqi national intelligence service in collaboration with US-led coalition forces, Arab News reported. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani stated, “Iraqis continue their impressive victories over the forces of darkness and terrorism,” in a statement shared on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The individual killed, Abdallah Maki Mosleh Al-Rifai, also known as “Abu Khadija,” was identified as the “deputy caliph” of the militant group and deemed “one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world.” A security official confirmed that the operation was executed via an airstrike in Anbar province, western Iraq.

This announcement coincided with the first visit by Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shibani to Iraq, where both nations pledged to cooperate in combating Daesh. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein highlighted the common challenges they face, particularly from Daesh, and mentioned discussions about the group’s movements along the Syrian-Iraqi border.

Hussein referenced a recently established operations room involving Syria, Iraq, Turkiye, Jordan, and Lebanon, which aims to confront Daesh and is expected to commence operations soon.

The operation and diplomatic visit come amid concerns about a possible resurgence of Daesh following Assad’s fall. While the new Syrian leadership, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, has targeted Daesh cells, there are fears that overall security could deteriorate, allowing the group to regain strength.