Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced on Friday that one of the leaders of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), Abdullah Maki Muslih al-Rifai (Abu Khadija), was killed as a result of an operation conducted by the Iraqi National Intelligence Service and the US-led coalition forces. The Prime Minister stated that the Iraqi people's fight against terrorism continued with this successful operation. Abu Khadija was described as the "deputy caliph" of ISIS and was recognized as one of the most dangerous terrorists worldwide.
Details of the Operation
According to security officials, the operation was carried out in the Anbar province in western Iraq. It was reported that the operation, which was carried out with an airstrike, was carried out on Thursday night, but Rifai's death was confirmed on Friday. Security officials, who asked not to be identified, emphasized that the operation was successful and that one of the most important figures in ISIS was neutralized. This important victory was considered an important step in Iraq's fight against terrorism.
Cooperation and Joint Struggle with Syria
On the same day, the first visit of Syria's top diplomat to Iraq also attracted attention. During this visit, the two countries agreed to cooperate in the fight against ISIS. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein emphasized the common challenges that Syria and Iraq face with terrorist organizations such as ISIS. It was announced that detailed discussions were held during the visit about ISIS' movements, especially on the Syria-Iraq border. It was also announced that an operations room consisting of Syria, Iraq, Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon would be established to combat terrorism in this region.
Relations Between Iraq and Syria
Relations between Iraq and Syria have been strained since the overthrow of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Iraqi Prime Minister al-Sudani came to power with the support of a coalition of Iranian-backed groups, and Iran was one of Assad’s biggest supporters. However, Syrian Interim Foreign Minister Asad Hassan al-Shibani emphasized the historical ties between the two countries. Al-Shibani said that Baghdad and Damascus were important capitals for the exchange of knowledge, culture and economy in the Arab and Islamic worlds. Strengthening cooperation between Syria and Iraq would not only be beneficial for the peoples, but also for the stability of the region.
The Threat of ISIS Resurgence
Iraqi authorities are concerned about the resurgence of ISIS cells in Syria and Iraq. ISIS was expected to grow stronger and reorganize, especially after the fall of Assad in Syria. Syria’s new rulers, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, are trying to track down former ISIS cells. However, concerns about the deterioration of overall security could lead to a resurgence of ISIS.
The Role of the US and the Coalition and the Decision to Withdraw
The US and Iraq announced last year that they had reached an agreement to end the US-led coalition’s military mission in Iraq against ISIS in September 2025. Under this agreement, US forces will withdraw from some bases, ending their 20-year military presence in Iraq. At the time the agreement was reached to end the coalition’s mission in Iraq, Iraqi political leaders stated that the ISIS threat had been brought under control and that Washington’s help was not needed. However, developments in Syria, especially after the overthrow of Assad, have led some groups to reconsider this stance.
Future Direction of Iraq
While Iraq has made significant progress in its fight against ISIS, security threats in the region continue. ISIS’s efforts to reorganize, especially on the Syria-Iraq border, continue to threaten regional security. Therefore, the Iraqi government is taking steps to continue international cooperation and strengthen security forces in the fight against ISIS. Closer cooperation and coordination between Iraq and Syria will play a critical role not only in the fight against terrorism, but also in the stability of the region.
