The United States confirmed the death of senior ISIS leader Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rufay’i, also known as Abu Khadija, in a precision airstrike in Iraq’s Anbar province on March 13.
The operation, conducted by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) in collaboration with Iraqi intelligence and Kurdish forces, targeted Abu Khadija, who was regarded as the Deputy Caliph and head of ISIS’s global operations. His identity was confirmed through DNA testing after his body was recovered.
U.S. President Donald Trump, in a post on Truth Social, hailed the forces involved, stating:
"The leader of ISIS on the run in Iraq was killed today. Our brave fighters relentlessly pursued him."
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According to CENTCOM, Abu Khadija was responsible for ISIS’s international operations, financing, and logistics, making him a key figure in the group's efforts to re-establish its global influence.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed the killing, calling him one of the "most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and around the world."
Threat still lurks
Despite significant territorial losses, ISIS remains active in Iraq and Syria, with CENTCOM warning of a resurgence following reports of 153 ISIS-led attacks in the first half of 2024.
General Michael Erik Kurilla, head of CENTCOM, vowed continued operations to dismantle ISIS networks and eliminate remaining threats.
Who was Abu Khadija?
- Real Name: Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rufay’i
- Position: ISIS Deputy Leader & Chief of Global Operations
- Role: Supervised planning, logistics, and financing for ISIS worldwide
- Status: Killed in a U.S.-Iraqi airstrike in Anbar on March 13, 2025
- Confirmed: DNA testing after recovery of remains
The latest strike is seen as a significant blow to ISIS's leadership, but experts warn the group continues to adapt and operate through sleeper cells in Iraq and Syria.
