Senior Islamic State Leader Killed in Joint U.S.-Iraqi Counterterrorism Operation


A senior figure within the Islamic State (IS) terror group has been killed in a coordinated operation between U.S. and Iraqi forces, marking a significant blow to the extremist organization’s leadership network.


Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed the death of Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rufay'i, who was identified as the group's deputy caliph. The announcement was made on Friday via his official social media account, where he described the operation as a “major security achievement” for Iraq and its partners in the ongoing fight against terrorism.

According to the Prime Minister, Iraq’s intelligence services successfully located and neutralized al-Rufay’i in an operation conducted with the support and cooperation of U.S. military and intelligence personnel. Details regarding the location and circumstances of the raid were not immediately disclosed, but Iraqi and U.S. officials have characterized the mission as the result of months of intelligence gathering and close collaboration.

Al-Rufay’i was considered one of the most influential and senior figures within the Islamic State’s hierarchy, playing a key role in orchestrating attacks, managing recruitment efforts, and maintaining the group’s regional and international networks. His elimination is seen as a strategic victory in the ongoing campaign to dismantle IS's leadership and reduce its operational capacity.

The U.S. military also confirmed its involvement in the operation but declined to provide further specifics, citing operational security and the ongoing nature of counterterrorism efforts in the region.

Security analysts have praised the development, noting that the death of al-Rufay’i will likely disrupt the Islamic State’s ability to coordinate activities across Iraq and neighboring countries. However, they also cautioned that while the removal of key leaders can weaken terrorist networks, it may not completely eliminate the group’s influence or its ability to inspire lone-wolf attacks.

This latest strike reflects continued cooperation between Iraqi forces and their international partners, particularly the United States, in countering the persistent threat posed by Islamic State remnants in the Middle East.

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