Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced the death of Islamic State leader Abu Khadija following a successful operation by Iraqi intelligence and U.S. coalition forces. This development coincided with a visit by Syria’s Foreign Minister as both nations pledged cooperation against terrorism. Concerns regarding IS resurgence persist amid political changes in Syria, fueling a reevaluation of security strategies and partnerships in the region.
On Friday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced the death of the head of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, also known as “Abu Khadija”. The operation, conducted by the Iraqi national intelligence service in coordination with U.S.-led coalition forces, confirmed his demise through an airstrike in Anbar province. Al-Sudani highlighted this achievement as a continuation of Iraq’s victories over terrorism.
Al-Rifai had held the position of “deputy caliph” within the group and was considered a substantial threat both in Iraq and globally. The confirmation of his death marked a significant event, coinciding with the visit of Syria’s top diplomat to Iraq. During this visit, officials from both nations discussed their cooperative efforts against IS, with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein emphasizing the common challenges they face from terrorism.
The new collaboration includes an operational framework formed with Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon to counter IS activities in the region. Despite historical tensions since the fall of former Syrian President Bashar Assad, Syrian Minister Asaad al-Shaybani underscored the importance of cooperation between Iraq and Syria for regional stability and self-determination.
Concerns remain regarding a potential resurgence of IS in light of the evolving political landscape in Syria following Assad’s fall. While Iraq had previously felt secure enough to scale back U.S. military involvement, recent events have prompted discussions about the ongoing threat from IS, particularly amongst Iraqi political leaders aligned with the Coordination Framework.
The recent killing of Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai marks a pivotal victory against Islamic State in Iraq, reflecting enhanced cooperation between Iraq and Syria. Despite previous reassurances of stability, political shifts in Syria necessitate vigilance against possible IS resurgence. The partnership between the two nations aims to combat shared threats while fostering regional stability, signaling a renewed commitment to local security solutions in the fight against terrorism.
Original Source: apnews.com
