Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced the killing of Abu Khadija, a dangerous Islamic State leader, by Iraqi forces with US support. The Islamic State, which once ruled parts of Iraq and Syria, is reportedly attempting to regain power, with increasing attacks observed in recent months.

On Friday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced the death of Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rufay’i, also known as Abu Khadija, who was identified as a senior leader of the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. The Prime Minister characterized him as “one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world.” His elimination was achieved by Iraqi security forces with assistance from the US-led coalition engaged in combating the Islamic State.

Historically, the Islamic State implemented a stringent Islamist governance over millions in Iraq and Syria, and it has since been attempting to regain footholds across the Middle East, the West, and Asia. The former leader of the group, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, had declared a caliphate over substantial territories in 2014. His death occurred in a raid by US special forces in 2019, which preceded a significant decline in the group’s territorial control.

Reports from US Central Command indicated that the Islamic State has been trying to regain strength after a period of diminished capabilities, with claims of 153 attacks occurring in Iraq and Syria in the first half of 2024. This figure suggests that the group is on track to significantly increase its operational tempo compared to the previous year, raising concerns about its resurgence.

The death of Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rufay’i, a significant figure within the Islamic State, marks a notable achievement in the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the region. However, the persistent attempts by the Islamic State to re-establish its influence, as evidenced by their increasing rate of attacks, indicates that challenges remain in the fight against this extremist organization.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com