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"Abu Khadija"… The Killing of the Iraqi ISIS Leader Disrupts the Group's Regional Plans
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The security cooperation between Baghdad and Washington highlights Iraq's growing capabilities in counterterrorism, but it does not mark the final eradication of extremist groups
In a decisive operation, Iraqi authorities, in cooperation with the United States, announced the elimination of Abdullah Maki Musleh Al-Rifai, known as "Abu Khadija," a senior leader of ISIS in Iraq. The operation, carried out in Anbar province, was described as a major success.
Spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces, Sabah Al-Numan, told Sky News Arabia that "this operation was the result of over two years of preparation and six months of close surveillance of this terrorist’s movements," emphasizing that "Iraqi intelligence is working to sever ISIS’s connections and disrupt its networks."
Al-Numan also noted that "this terrorist was a key link in planning and coordinating ISIS operations not just in Iraq and Syria, but across the region."
Political and strategic affairs expert Sarmad Al-Bayati described Abu Khadija’s elimination as "a severe blow to ISIS, given his role in restructuring the organization and maintaining communication between its remnants after the loss of many top leaders." He further explained that "the group is currently experiencing significant weakness, which will likely impact its future operations."
Analysts believe that eliminating a prominent figure like Abu Khadija will have significant consequences for ISIS. As he held the title of "Deputy Caliph" and oversaw what the group referred to as the "Wilayat of Iraq and Syria," his absence will create a leadership vacuum that will not be easily filled.
Al-Numan stressed that "ISIS has lost all its operational capabilities in Iraq," but at the same time, he warned that "the group is still attempting to reorganize itself, particularly outside Iraq, by activating its sleeper cells in other regions, such as the African Sahel."
Sarmad Al-Bayati pointed out that "ISIS’s top-tier leadership is weakening, and the group may seek to appoint a new leader from outside Iraq and Syria, possibly in Somalia, where terrorist operations have shifted towards West Africa."
Iraqi and International Security Cooperation: A Key Factor
This operation demonstrated the efficiency of intelligence and security cooperation between Iraq and the international coalition in eliminating key ISIS figures.
According to Al-Numan, "Iraqi security efforts have significantly advanced, thanks to a comprehensive database covering all ISIS members and high-level coordination with the coalition forces and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq."
Al-Bayati added that "ISIS is now operating with extreme caution, but Iraqi intelligence capabilities have made tracking it possible using advanced technologies." He also revealed that "key intelligence leading to Abu Khadija’s location came from his wife, which helped pinpoint his exact whereabouts before the strike."
Has ISIS Reached Its End in Iraq?
Despite the successful elimination of Abu Khadija, completely eradicating ISIS still requires ongoing security and intelligence operations. The group continues to pose challenges, particularly as it seeks to rebuild its network outside Iraq.
Al-Numan stated that "eliminating this terrorist leader does not mean the end of ISIS, but it significantly weakens the organization and limits its ability to carry out large-scale attacks." Al-Bayati also warned that "ISIS is facing a serious leadership crisis, but its attempts to regroup in new locations should not be underestimated."
The killing of Abu Khadija represents a major blow to ISIS, accelerating its fragmentation in Iraq and Syria. However, the group remains a security threat, particularly as it looks to expand its influence elsewhere. Experts stress that continued coordination between Iraq and the international coalition will be crucial to ensuring the final eradication of ISIS and preventing its resurgence.
