A precision airstrike in Iraq's Al Anbar Province marked a significant development in the ongoing fight against global terrorism.

According to The Daily Caller, U.S. Central Command forces, working alongside Iraqi Intelligence and Security Forces, successfully eliminated Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, also known as Abu Khadijah, ISIS's second-highest-ranking leader and chief of global operations.

The operation, conducted on Thursday, resulted in the death of al-Rifai and another ISIS operative. Both terrorists were found wearing unexploded suicide vests and carrying multiple weapons when local forces examined the strike site. DNA evidence collected from a previous raid confirmed al-Rifai's identity.

Joint US-Iraqi forces target terrorist leadership

President Donald Trump announced the successful operation through his Truth Social platform. He emphasized the coordinated effort between American forces, the Iraqi Government, and the Kurdish Regional Government in hunting down the fugitive ISIS leader.

CENTCOM released video footage showing the precision strike. The footage captured a vehicle traveling along a road before being engulfed in an explosion and veering off course amid smoke clouds.

U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz issued a stern warning to other terrorists, emphasizing President Trump's determination to track down those who threaten American security.

ISIS leader's crucial role in terrorist organization

Al-Rifai held the position of "Emir" within ISIS's highest decision-making council. His responsibilities encompassed overseeing the organization's global operations, logistics, planning, and significant portions of its finances.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani praised the operation's success. He highlighted al-Rifai's status as one of the world's most dangerous terrorists, who held the position of Deputy Caliph.

Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM's commander, emphasized the significance of eliminating Abu Khadijah and reaffirmed the commitment to dismantling terrorist organizations threatening U.S. and allied interests.

Trump administration intensifies anti-terror operations

The successful strike against al-Rifai came just days before President Trump ordered military action against Iran-backed Houthi terrorists in Yemen. The president cited their continued campaign of piracy and violence against American assets as justification.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth endorsed the operation with the administration's signature phrase "Peace Through Strength."

This operation follows the pattern of successful counter-terrorism efforts, including the 2019 elimination of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi during Operation Kayla Mueller.

Strategic victory against global terrorism

The precision strike that eliminated ISIS's second-in-command, Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, represents a crucial victory in the ongoing fight against international terrorism. The operation, executed through collaboration between U.S. forces and Iraqi security personnel in Al Anbar Province, successfully neutralized one of the world's most dangerous terrorists. The elimination of al-Rifai, who served as ISIS's global operations chief and Deputy Caliph, marks a significant blow to the terrorist organization's command structure. This development, coupled with President Trump's subsequent actions against Houthi forces in Yemen, demonstrates an intensified approach to combating terrorist threats across the Middle East region.