US Kills ISIS No. 2 Leader in Iraq; Group’s Future Uncertain
In a joint operation with Iraqi forces, a U.S. airstrike in Anbar Province eliminated Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, also known as Abu Khadijah, the number two leader of ISIS. Al-Rifai oversaw global operations, logistics, planning, and a significant portion of the group’s finances. The strike, announced by U.S. Central Command and President Trump, represents a significant blow to the terrorist organization. Despite territorial losses, ISIS remains a threat, particularly given the instability in Syria.