The United States military has confirmed the death of Abu Khadijah, a top leader of the ISIS terrorist group, in an airstrike in Iraq’s Al Anbar Province. Khadijah was the Chief of Global Operations for ISIS and the group’s second-in-command worldwide. Another ISIS fighter was also killed in the attack, which happened on March 13.
The strike was carried out with help from Iraqi intelligence and security forces. US military officials said Khadijah managed ISIS operations around the world, including logistics, planning, and finances. After the attack, US and Iraqi forces arrived at the scene and confirmed his death. Both men were found wearing suicide vests and carrying weapons. DNA testing later confirmed Khadijah’s identity.
US and Iraq Respond
General Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of US Central Command, called Khadijah one of the most important ISIS leaders and promised to continue targeting terrorist groups. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani praised the operation, calling Khadijah “one of the most dangerous terrorists in the world.” He confirmed that the mission was carried out with help from the US-led coalition.
Khadijah had been sanctioned by the US in 2023 for leading ISIS-controlled areas in Iraq and Syria and overseeing foreign operations. Even though ISIS lost most of its territory in Iraq in 2017, small groups of fighters continue launching attacks.
President Trump’s Statement
Former US President Donald Trump reacted to the news on his Truth Social platform, saying, “The fugitive leader of ISIS in Iraq was killed. He was relentlessly hunted down by our warfighters. His miserable life was terminated, along with another member of ISIS, in coordination with the Iraqi Government and the Kurdish Regional Government.” He ended his post with, “PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH!”
Despite ISIS losing power, the group remains active in remote areas of Iraq and Syria. The US still has around 2,500 troops in Iraq to help fight terrorism and train Iraqi forces.
