U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced its forces, in coordination with Iraqi Intelligence and Security Forces, carried out a precision-airstrike on the Al Anbar Governorate of Western Iraq on March 13th, which resulted in the elimination of ISIS’ Chief of Global Operations and the Delegated Committee Emir, Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, also known as Abu Khadijah, alongside another ISIS terrorist.

Khadijah, as Emir of ISIS operated as second-in-command of the terrorist organization, maintaining responsibility for operations, logistics, and planning conducted by ISIS globally, while directing a significant portion of finance for the group’s global organization.

Following the airstrike, CENTCOM and Iraqi forces arrived at the strike site, where both terrorists were found dead equipped with “explosive vests” and armed with several weapons. Abu Khadijah was confirmed eliminated with DNA found at the site, matched with DNA recovered during a previous operation in which he escaped.

The Commander of U.S. Central Command, General Michael E. Kurilla stated regarding the strike and its results, “Abu Khadijah was one of the most important ISIS members in the entire global ISIS organization. We will continue to kill terrorists and dismantle their organizations that threaten our homeland and U.S., allied and partner personnel in the region and beyond.”