US‑backed forces eliminate key Islamic State leader in Iraq
The US President, Donald Trump, has announced the death of a leader of the Islamic State in Iraq. This information has also been confirmed by the Iraqi authorities.
What do you need to know?
- Slain leader: Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rufaji, also known as Abu Khadija, was killed in an operation conducted by Iraqi security forces with support from the international coalition led by the USA.
- International cooperation: The operation was coordinated with the Iraqi government and the regional Kurdish government, as noted by President Trump.
- Future of the mission: The USA plans to conclude its international mission against IS in Iraq by September 2025, which entails withdrawing American troops from certain bases.
What were the circumstances of the ISIS leader's death?
The US President, Donald Trump, reported on the Truth Social platform about the death of the fugitive leader of the Islamic State in Iraq.
"Today the fugitive leader of ISIS in Iraq was killed. He was relentlessly hunted down by our intrepid warfighters. His miserable life was terminated, along with another member of ISIS, in coordination with the Iraqi Government and the Kurdish Regional Government. PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH!" wrote Trump. The Iraqi authorities had previously announced the death of Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rufaji, known as Abu Khadija.
What does this mean for the future of the fight against ISIS?
Al-Rufaji was the deputy to caliph Abu Hafs al-Hashemi al-Qurashi and led the group's operations in Iraq and Syria. His death is a significant setback for the Islamic State, which has been attempting to rebuild its structures for over a decade after losing control of large areas in Syria and Iraq. The American army cautioned in July 2024 that the group "is trying to rebuild after several years of reduced activity".
What are the USA's plans regarding their presence in Iraq?
The USA has announced the conclusion of its international mission against IS in Iraq by September 2025. This entails withdrawing American troops from some bases after more than 20 years of presence in the country. Nevertheless, IS remains active in Syria, where the group emerged following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024. The new authorities in Damascus, although associated with Islamist militias, have declared their intent to fight against the Islamic State.
