US Airstrike Kills Senior ISIS Leader in Iraq

US forces, in collaboration with Iraqi intelligence and security forces, conducted a precision airstrike in Al Anbar Province, resulting in the death of Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, known as 'Abu Khadija,' a key leader of the Islamic State (ISIS) in Iraq and Syria. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed the operation, highlighting al-Rifai as one of the most dangerous terrorists globally. US President Donald Trump celebrated the operation, emphasizing the coordinated efforts with Iraqi authorities and the Kurdish Regional Government. The airstrike, which occurred on the eve of a significant diplomatic visit from Syria's foreign minister to Iraq, was reported to have also killed another ISIS operative. The successful mission is seen as a major blow to ISIS's regional leadership, although concerns remain about the group's potential resurgence in the area. CENTCOM stated that both deceased individuals were found wearing unexploded suicide vests, with al-Rifai's identity confirmed via DNA analysis.