Trump claims elimination of ISIS leader in Iraq
Donald Trump (photo: Getty Images)
On Friday, March 14, US President Donald Trump announced that the ISIS leader in Iraq, Abu Khadija, and another unidentified member of the militant group had been killed. The operation involved US forces in coordination with Iraqi and Kurdish troops, according to The Times of India and Trump's post on his social media platform, Truth Social.
"Today the fugitive leader of ISIS in Iraq was killed. He was relentlessly hunted down by our intrepid warfighters," Trump wrote.
Acknowledging the contributions of Iraqi and Kurdish forces, he added:
"His miserable life was terminated, along with another member of ISIS, in coordination with the Iraqi Government and the Kurdish Regional Government. PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH!" Trump stated.
Earlier, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed the operation, announcing the death of the terrorist leader Abdullah Maki Musleh al-Rifai, known as Abu Khadija.
According to The Times of India, Abu Hadidja was among the most dangerous terrorists operating in Iraq and globally. He held a high-ranking position in ISIS's command structure and was previously considered a potential candidate for the group's global leadership - its "caliph" - due to his senior status within the organization. His elimination dealt a significant blow to ISIS operations in the region.
In December, the US announced the elimination of ISIS leader Abu Yusif in an airstrike in Syria. The operation took place on December 19, 2024. More details can be found in the article by RBC-Ukraine.
