Iraq’s Prime Minister announced the death of the Islamic State leader in an operation with U.S. forces. Foreign Ministers from Iraq and Syria reaffirmed collaboration to combat IS, addressing shared concerns regarding security in the region amid fears of IS resurgence following political changes in Syria. The bilateral ties are evolving but remain complicated by historical conflicts.
The Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, announced the death of the Islamic State’s leader in Iraq and Syria during a collaborative operation involving the Iraqi national intelligence service and U.S.-led coalition forces. This operation was executed via an airstrike in Anbar province, with confirmation of the casualty made on Friday. Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, also known as “Abu Khadija,” was regarded as a key figure within the militant group and described as one of the most dangerous terrorists globally.
During a significant diplomatic meeting between Iraq and Syria, Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein acknowledged the pressing common threats faced by both nations from IS. He detailed discussions on ISIS movements across their borders and informed about an operations room established to combat the group, involving collaboration among Syria, Iraq, Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon.
Despite historical ties, the relations between Iraq and Syria remain complex, particularly following the fall of former Syrian President Bashar Assad. The current Syrian interim president previously engaged with al-Qaida, complicating diplomatic relations. However, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani emphasized the importance of revitalizing partnerships between Baghdad and Damascus, asserting that such cooperation would contribute to regional stability and lessen dependency on external influences.
The timing of the operation, along with the diplomatic meeting, raises concerns within Iraqi officials regarding a potential resurgence of IS, especially following Assad’s fall in Syria. It has been observed that while the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham continues to combat IS, deterioration in overall security may enable the latter to regain strength. The U.S. and Iraq’s agreement to conclude the military mission against IS by September 2025 reflects earlier confidence in managing IS threats, a stance that may be reconsidered due to the evolving political landscape in Syria.
The recent announcement regarding the death of the Islamic State’s leader marks a significant blow against the group in Iraq and Syria. The collaboration between Iraq and Syria to confront common challenges posed by IS highlights the necessity for unity in the face of evolving threats. Although Iraq previously viewed the threat from IS as under control, recent events indicate a reassessment may be required due to changing dynamics in the region. The strengthening of diplomatic ties and cooperative efforts in combating terrorism will be crucial for maintaining regional stability.
Original Source: apnews.com
