Mar 15, 2025 - World

ISIS second-in-command killed in U.S. airstrike with Iraqi aid

Lauren Floyd

A screen capture from a video shows U.S. Central Command forces, in cooperation with Iraqi Intelligence and Security Forces, conducting a precision airstrike that killed the Global ISIS second leader — A screen video capture of forces conducting a precision airstrike in Al Anbar Province, Iraq on March 13. Photo: CENTCOM/Anadolu via Getty Images

U.S. forces with help from Iraqi intelligence and security killed the No. 2 global ISIS leader, "one of the most important" of the entire organization, per U.S. Central Command.

The big picture: Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, also known as Abu Khadijah, oversaw global operations and logistics for the extremist group and directed "a significant portion" of its global financing, Central Command said Friday in an X post.

Zoom in: Khadijah was killed in a precision airstrike in Al Anbar Province, Iraq on Thursday along with another ISIS operative.

"After the strike, CENTCOM and Iraqi forces moved to the strike site and found both dead ISIS terrorists," Central Command said.
"Both terrorists were wearing unexploded 'suicide vests' and had multiple weapons."
Khadijah was identified through DNA obtained when he "narrowly escaped" an earlier raid, per CENTCOM.

What they're saying: "Abu Khadijah was one of the most important ISIS members in the entire global ISIS organization," Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM commander, said.

"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."
President Trump declared for "PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH" on Truth Social Friday, praising U.S. forces as "intrepid warfighters."

More from Axios:

Add Axios on Google

ISIS second-in-command killed in U.S. airstrike with Iraqi aid

What to read next