On Saturday, US President Donald Trump announced that the leader of ISIS (the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria) in Iraq, along with another unknown member of the terror group, was killed in a joint operation carried out by US, Iraqi, and Kurdish forces.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani approved the operation, identifying the killed ISIS leader as Abdullah Maki Musleh al-Rifai, also known as Abu Khadija. In a statement on X, al-Sudani commended the efforts of Iraqi security forces and the US-led coalition, describing Abu Khadija as "one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world." He also stated that Abu Khadija’s death represents another major victory in Iraq’s fight against terrorism. Meanwhile, Trump shared the news on his social media platform, Truth Social, writing, "Today the fugitive leader of ISIS in Iraq was killed. He was relentlessly hunted down by our intrepid warfighters."

Following Trump's announcement, the White House released footage of the airstrike that took out Abu Khadija. Trump emphasised the collaborative effort behind the operation, stating, "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!"

Abu Khadija was a senior ISIS operative known for his deadly influence within the group. Due to his significant role in its leadership structure, he was seen as a potential candidate for the position of ISIS's global leader or "caliph." A security official told the Associated Press that the operation was carried out through an airstrike in Iraq's western Anbar province. Another official assured that the strike took place on Thursday night. The announcement was made on Friday, coinciding with the visit of Syria's Foreign Minister, Assas Al-Shaybani, to Iraq, as both countries worked together in the fight against the Islamic State.

The announcement came as Syria’s interim Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, visited Iraq, where he expressed willingness to strengthen cooperation in tackling ISIS remnants. During a joint press conference with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, he stated, "Security is a shared responsibility." He also emphasised, "We are ready to reinforce cooperation with Iraq in the fight against Daesh along the whole length of the border. Terrorism knows no borders."

Al-Shaibani stressed the need to reopen the Iraq-Syria border to enhance trade and strengthen bilateral relations. The border was shut in December due to security concerns following the removal of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, whose government had strong ties with Baghdad.