U.S. Airstrike Kills ISIS Second-in-Command in Iraq

On March 13, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted a precision airstrike in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, killing ISIS's second-in-command, Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, also known as 'Abu Khadijah.' Recognized as the chief of global operations for ISIS, Abu Khadijah was responsible for the group's logistics, planning, and financial operations. CENTCOM confirmed his identity through DNA matching from a prior raid where he narrowly escaped capture. Following the strike, both he and another ISIS operative were found dead, both wearing unexploded suicide vests. General Michael Erik Kurilla emphasized the ongoing commitment to dismantle terrorist organizations that threaten the U.S. and its allies. The incident reflects continued collaboration between U.S. and Iraqi forces in combating ISIS.