Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced the killing of Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, the head of ISIS in Iraq and Syria, in a joint operation with U.S.-led forces. This development comes alongside a Syrian diplomatic visit, emphasizing cooperation against IS. Historical ties between Iraq and Syria may bolster their partnership against terrorism, although security concerns persist amid regional instability.
The Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, announced the killing of the head of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria during a joint operation involving the Iraqi national intelligence service and U.S.-led coalition forces. The deceased, Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, known as “Abu Khadija,” was identified as a significant terrorist threat. The operation reportedly occurred in Anbar province and was confirmed in a statement on March 14, 2025.
This announcement coincided with the visit of Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani to Iraq, where both countries committed to collaborating on counter-terrorism efforts. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein emphasized the shared challenges posed by IS and highlighted a recent collaboration with Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon to form an operations room to address IS activities in the region.
Relations between Iraq and Syria have been complex, especially following the Syrian civil war and the political alignment with Iran. Despite this, al-Shaybani reiterated the historical connections between Baghdad and Damascus and their mutual commitment to regional stability, stating it would allow the countries to “determine their own destiny“ more effectively.
The backdrop to this operation and diplomatic meeting is a growing concern regarding a resurgence of IS due to geopolitical shifts in Syria following Assad’s fall in late 2022. Although previous agreements indicated that U.S. support was no longer necessary for Iraq’s security, the changing dynamics may require a reconsideration of that position.
In conclusion, the killing of a prominent Islamic State leader signifies a notable victory for Iraqi forces and their partners. The joint efforts with Syria highlight a renewed commitment to combat terrorism, amidst concerns regarding IS’s potential resurgence. Furthermore, the historical ties between the two nations underscore the significance of regional cooperation in ensuring long-term stability and self-determination.
Original Source: apnews.com
