U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), in cooperation with Iraqi Intelligence and Security Forces, executed a precision airstrike on Thursday that eliminated one of the world’s most dangerous terrorists—ISIS Global Operations Chief and second-in-command, Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, known as “Abu Khadijah.”
The strike, carried out in Iraq’s Al Anbar Province, not only neutralized Abu Khadijah but also took down another high-level ISIS operative.
Abu Khadijah, the Emir of ISIS’s senior decision-making body, was instrumental in coordinating global terror attacks, overseeing logistics, and funneling finances to sustain the radical Islamist network. His elimination is a crippling blow to the remnants of ISIS.
“Abu Khadijah was one of the most important ISIS members in the entire global ISIS organization. We will continue to kill terrorists and dismantle their organizations that threaten our homeland and U.S., allied and partner personnel in the region and beyond,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander, U.S. Central Command.
Following the strike, CENTCOM and Iraqi forces confirmed the successful elimination of both terrorists.
“Both terrorists were wearing unexploded “suicide vests” and had multiple weapons,” according to the press release.
“CENTCOM and Iraqi forces were able to identify Abu Khadijah through a DNA match from DNA collected on a previous raid where Abu Khadijah narrowly escaped.”
Hellbound and Down 