Abu Khadija, ISIS chief in Syria, was killed by Iraqi forces with US support. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani labeled him as one of the world’s most dangerous terrorists. Despite recent setbacks, ISIS is attempting to rebuild, with increasing attack claims in Iraq and Syria during 2024, highlighting an ongoing security threat.

Abu Khadija, the chief of ISIS in Syria, was recently killed by Iraqi security forces with aid from the US-led coalition, according to Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. Sudani characterized Khadija as “one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world,” emphasizing the impact of his elimination on regional security.

The Islamic State had a significant hold over millions in Syria and Iraq, enforcing a hardline rule before their influence began to wane. Following the declaration of a caliphate by former leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2014, the group lost substantial power after al-Baghdadi’s death in 2019 due to a US operation.

In July, the US Central Command noted that ISIS was attempting to rebuild its strength, claiming responsibility for 153 attacks in Iraq and Syria in the first half of 2024. This uptick reflects a concerning trend, suggesting the potential for ISIS to double its attack rate compared to the previous year.

Although ISIS has faced leadership instability since al-Baghdadi’s demise, recent assessments indicate that it remains a serious security threat in various regions due to its enduring factions and operational connections.

The killing of Abu Khadija marks a significant advancement in the fight against ISIS, a group deeply entrenched in regional instability. Despite leadership challenges, ISIS continues to pose a significant threat, as indicated by rising attack trends. Continuous vigilance and cooperation among security forces are essential to counteract ISIS’s attempts at resurgence in Iraq and Syria.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com