Overview of the Operation
On March 13, 2025, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), in coordination with Iraqi National Intelligence and Kurdish regional forces, launched a precision airstrike in Al Anbar Province, western Iraq. The operation successfully killed Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, also known as Abu Khadijah, who held multiple senior roles within ISIS: Deputy Caliph, Chief of Global Operations, Finance Director, and Logistics Overseer. Another ISIS operative was also eliminated during the mission.
Following the strike, joint ground units recovered firearms, unexploded suicide vests, and secured the area. Abu Khadijah’s identity was later confirmed by DNA analysis sourced from a previous failed raid.
Operation Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Operation Date | March 13, 2025 (Thursday) |
| Death Confirmed | March 14, 2025 (Friday) |
| Time Zone | UTC+3 (Iraq local time) |
| Location | Al Anbar Province, Western Iraq |
| Target Identified As | Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai |
| Alias | Abu Khadijah |
| ISIS Role | Deputy Caliph, Global Operations Chief |
| Other Casualties | 1 additional ISIS operative |
| Ground Recovery | Firearms, vests, equipment, DNA sample |
Participants in the Operation
- United States Central Command (CENTCOM)
- Iraqi National Intelligence Service
- Kurdish Regional Forces
Tactical Execution and Aftermath
- Airstrike Precision: The strike was led by real-time intelligence with high-target accuracy and minimal collateral damage.
- Post-Strike Actions: Ground teams secured the site, recovered weapons, and conducted on-site DNA confirmation using forensic data from a prior 2024 operation.
- Material Recovered:
- 3 unexploded suicide vests
- 6 assault rifles
- ISIS documentation and logistics records
Strategic Impact on ISIS
Leadership Disruption
| ISIS Rank | Individual Eliminated |
|---|---|
| No. 2 in Command | Abu Khadijah |
- Leadership Gap: Abu Khadijah was pivotal in global ISIS strategy. His death fractures the chain of command.
- Financial Operations Disrupted: He managed international funds and resource allocations, critical to ISIS’s logistical framework.
- Moral and Structural Blow: High-profile losses erode internal cohesion and external influence.
Regional and Global Implications
- Message of Capability: Demonstrates U.S. and allied forces’ ability to execute targeted eliminations inside hostile environments.
- Commitment to Coalition: Signals continuing collaboration despite the planned U.S. troop reduction in Iraq by September 2025.
- Expanded Counterterrorism Network: Coordination with Iraqi and Kurdish forces strengthens regional defenses amid fears of ISIS resurgence across the Syria–Iraq border.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2024 (Prior) | Abu Khadijah evades previous U.S. raid; DNA collected |
| March 13, 2025 | Airstrike in Al Anbar kills Abu Khadijah |
| March 14, 2025 | Death confirmed; regional leaders issue public statements |
| March 15, 2025 | Iraq and Syria declare operational readiness in joint ops |
Recovered Items from Strike Site
| Item Type | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unexploded Suicide Vests | 3 |
| Automatic Rifles | 6 |
| Sidearms | 2 |
| Tactical Documents | Multiple |
| Explosive Triggers | 5 |
U.S. and Iraqi Leadership Statements
President (2025)
- “Today, the fugitive leader of ISIS was killed in a successful operation. Peace through strength.”
CENTCOM Commander (2025)
- “Abu Khadijah was a top-tier ISIS official. We will continue to dismantle their structure.”
Iraqi Prime Minister
- “A victory over the forces of darkness. Our resolve is firm.”
Iraqi Foreign Minister
- “Joint operational command with Syria will confront cross-border terror threats.”
Previous ISIS Leadership Eliminations
| Name | Date Eliminated | Method | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi | October 27, 2019 | U.S. Special Forces Raid | Syria |
| Abu Khadijah | March 13, 2025 | CENTCOM Airstrike | Western Iraq |
| Multiple mid-leaders | 2015–2016 | Airstrikes & Drone Ops | Libya, Syria |
Broader Regional Security Framework
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Post-Assad Security Vacuum | Rise in militant movement across Syria–Iraq border post-Syrian collapse |
| Regional Coalition Efforts | Syria, Iraq, Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon forming shared defense posture |
| U.S. Military Rebalancing | Full troop withdrawal in Iraq expected by September 2025 |
DNA and Operational Intelligence
Forensic Precision
- DNA Source: Retrieved during 2024 mission where Abu Khadijah escaped.
- Verification: Confirmed identity within 24 hours of death using advanced field forensics.
Operational Integration
- Intel Collection: Multi-source HUMINT confirmed presence of Abu Khadijah.
- Aerial-Ground Coordination: Airstrike was immediately followed by ground consolidation and data collection.
Post-Strike ISIS Capacity Assessment
| Risk Factor | Status/Commentary |
|---|---|
| Decentralized Cell Activity | Active across Iraq and Syria with capacity for regional attacks |
| Leadership Gaps | Global coordination weakened, but field units remain functional |
| Follow-Up Operations Needed | Experts stress ongoing strikes to prevent leadership reformation |
Future Counterterrorism Outlook
- Strike Continuation: CENTCOM commits to eliminating remaining ISIS leaders using targeted strikes.
- Joint Operations: Iraqi and Kurdish units to maintain collaborative response rooms for regional missions.
- Threat Relocation Risk: ISIS may adapt by moving operations into less monitored border zones in Syria and Iraq.
FAQ
Which ISIS leader was killed?
Abu Khadijah, also known as Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, was eliminated in the March 2025 operation.
When did the operation occur?
The airstrike was conducted on March 13, 2025, with confirmation of death on March 14.
Where did the strike happen?
In Al Anbar Province, located in western Iraq.
How was the identity confirmed?
Through DNA evidence collected during a prior 2024 mission.
Who led the operation?
It was carried out by U.S. Central Command with Iraqi and Kurdish assistance.
What was recovered at the site?
Firearms, suicide vests, and logistical documents linked to ISIS operations.
What role did he play in ISIS?
He was Deputy Caliph, overseeing operations, finance, and logistics globally.
What does this mean for ISIS?
The strike weakens leadership and disrupts strategic planning, but field operations may continue.
Will the U.S. continue similar missions?
Yes, operations will persist despite the drawdown of U.S. troops in Iraq by late 2025.
Has the U.S. targeted ISIS leaders before?
Yes, including Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2019 and other key figures in prior years.
