U.S. Central Command killed Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, ISIS’s second-in-command, in an airstrike in Anbar Province, Iraq, on March 13. Al-Rifai was responsible for ISIS operations and logistics. Iraqi officials initially claimed credit for his death, but CENTCOM provided a different perspective, releasing evidence of the operation and highlighting ongoing efforts to eliminate ISIS remnants in the region.
On Thursday, U.S. Central Command confirmed the elimination of Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, also known as “Abu Khadijah,” ISIS’s second-in-command and chief of global operations, during an airstrike in Anbar Province, Iraq. This operation occurred on March 13, with al-Rifai killed while traveling in a vehicle. Central Command characterized him as the Emir of ISIS’s primary decision-making body, responsible for global operations, logistics, and financial direction for the group.
Following the U.S. announcement, Iraq’s Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, labeled al-Rifai as a significant threat and claimed Iraqi security forces had successfully executed the operation with support from the Joint Operations Command and international coalitions. However, the details released by CENTCOM provided a contrasting narrative regarding the airstrike’s execution.
CENTCOM released footage portraying the airstrike, indicating that the vehicle carrying al-Rifai was struck by two successive munitions, each creating substantial explosions. The agency remarked that the ordinance used was not the well-known Hellfire R9X missile typically employed in these targeted airstrikes. CENTCOM clarified that both al-Rifai and one other ISIS operative were in the vehicle at the time of the attack.
Following the airstrike, U.S. and Iraqi forces conducted an investigation to confirm al-Rifai’s identity through DNA comparison with samples from a previous raid that he had narrowly escaped. It was reported that both deceased individuals were donning explosive vests which did not detonate despite the magnitude of the explosions. Various weapons were also discovered within the vehicle.
Despite the loss of its final stronghold in Syria, the coalition led by the U.S. remains vigilant in pursuing ISIS operatives across the Middle East and Africa, with approximately 2,500 American troops stationed in Iraq. High-profile operations, including notable airstrikes, targeted ISIS elements in Anbar Province and eastern Syria throughout the fall and winter of 2024, amidst ongoing conflicts involving the regime and rebel forces in Syria.
In conclusion, the elimination of ISIS’s second-in-command, Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, through U.S. aerial operations in Iraq signals a significant development in the ongoing fight against terrorism. The contradictory reports from both U.S. and Iraqi officials highlight the complexities of military operations in the region, underscoring the persistent threat posed by ISIS. The continued pursuit of remaining ISIS operatives remains a priority for the U.S.-led coalition as they adapt to evolving threats in the aftermath of territorial losses suffered by the group.
Original Source: taskandpurpose.com
