Washington, Mar 15 (NVI) In a huge development, the US forces, with the assistance of Iraqi forces, have eliminated the number two of ISIS terrorist organisation in a carefully-planned-and-executed operation.
Abdallah Makki Muslih Al-Rifai, alias ‘Abu Khadijah’, the Number 2 of ISIS’ Global Operations, and one of its associates were killed in a precision airstrike in Al Anbar Province of Iraq by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) Forces with the cooperation of Iraqi Forces on March 13.
They were moving in a vehicle which was targeted by the airstrikes.
“As the Emir of ISIS’ most senior decision-making body, Abu Khadijah maintained responsibility for operations, logistics, and planning conducted by ISIS globally, and directs a significant portion of finance for the group’s global organization,” the CENTCOM said in a statement.
After the strike, CENTCOM and Iraqi forces moved to the site and found both the ISIS terrorists dead, it said.
Both terrorists were wearing unexploded “suicide vests” and had multiple weapons, it said.
CENTCOM and Iraqi forces were able to identify Abu Khadijah through a DNA match from DNA collected on a previous raid where Abu Khadijah narrowly escaped, the statement said.
“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,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander, U.S. Central Command. (NVI)
