The head of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, has been killed in a joint operation by Iraqi intelligence and U.S. coalition forces. Iraqi officials express concerns about IS’s resurgence amid political changes in Syria, emphasizing the need for stronger Iraq-Syria collaboration to combat shared threats.
The Iraqi Prime Minister has announced the elimination of the head of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, also known as “Abu Khadija.” This operation was executed by the Iraqi national intelligence service in collaboration with U.S.-led coalition forces. It highlights ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the region, with al-Sudani praising the Iraqi military’s achievements against terrorist organizations.
The airstrike that facilitated this operation occurred in Anbar province, with officials confirming his death on Friday. The announcement coincides with a significant diplomatic visit by Syria’s foreign minister to Iraq, underscoring mutual commitments to counter IS and address shared security concerns across their border.
During a press conference, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein emphasized the common threats posed by IS, noting discussions about the movements of ISIS between Iraq and Syria. He referred to a newly established operations room to combat IS, which includes Syria, Iraq, and neighboring countries.
Despite historical tensions between Iraq and Syria, both nations are seeking to fortify their partnership. Hussein reiterated that their historical ties could enhance regional stability and reduce dependence on external powers. This collaboration aims to navigate the complexities following the fall of former Syrian President Assad and the evolving threat landscape of IS.
Iraqi officials express concerns about a potential resurgence of IS following recent political changes in Syria. The U.S. and Iraq had previously agreed to reduce American military operations by 2025, asserting that the IS threat was manageable. However, the instability in Syria following Assad’s fall has prompted reevaluations regarding the security dynamics and the necessity for continued collaboration against IS.
In summary, the killing of IS leader Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai signals a significant step in the fight against terrorism in Iraq. The collaborative efforts between Iraq and Syria indicate a strategic response to shared threats from IS, despite historical frictions. The evolving security landscape post-Assad’s fall necessitates ongoing cooperation to prevent a resurgence of extremist activities in the region.
Original Source: www.military.com
