A joint Iraq-U.S. military operation has eliminated Abu Khadija, a top leader of the Islamic State (IS). He was responsible for IS operations, logistics, and financing, playing a major role in the groupās global network. The precision airstrike, carried out in Iraqās Al Anbar province, also killed another IS operative, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
A Major Blow to Islamic State
Iraqās Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani called Khadija “one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world.” He confirmed that the strike was a joint effort between Iraqi security forces and U.S. military forces.
CENTCOM stated that Khadija managed a significant portion of the group’s global finances, making his elimination a critical setback for IS operations. U.S. commander General Michael Erik Kurilla described him as “one of the most important ISIS members in the entire global organization.”
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Coordinated Effort Between Iraq and the U.S.
U.S. President Donald Trump praised the operation, stating that Khadija was ārelentlessly hunted down by our intrepid warfighters.ā He highlighted the collaboration between Iraqi forces, the U.S. military, and the Kurdish regional government, emphasizing the importance of continued efforts to dismantle IS.
The strike is part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts aimed at eliminating IS leadership and preventing the group from regaining strength. While Iraq declared victory over IS in 2017, the group remains active, carrying out attacks and maintaining sleeper cells across the region.
Islamic Stateās Continued Threat
Despite losing its territorial stronghold, IS continues to pose a serious threat. The organization has claimed responsibility for several attacks worldwide, including a deadly assault on a Moscow concert hall last year. Security analysts warn that IS remains capable of orchestrating high-profile attacks and financing global operations.
Prime Minister Sudani reiterated Iraqās commitment to eradicating terrorism. In a post on social media platform X, he hailed the countryās āremarkable victories against the forces of darkness and terrorism.ā
Impact on Regional Security
The successful strike against Khadija marks another milestone in the fight against Islamic State remnants. However, security experts caution that IS remains a threat, particularly in Iraq and Syria, where its fighters continue to launch hit-and-run attacks and bombings.
The U.S. and Iraq have pledged to continue counterterrorism operations, ensuring that IS does not regain strength. This latest operation highlights the importance of intelligence-sharing, military coordination, and swift action in the fight against global terrorism.
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