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"Abu Khadija"… The Killing of the Iraqi ISIS Leader Disrupts the Group's Regional Plans
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The security cooperation between Baghdad and Washington highlights Iraq's growing capabilities in counterterrorism, but it does not mark the final eradication of extremist groups

In a decisive operation, Iraqi authorities, in cooperation with the United States, announced the elimination of Abdullah Maki Musleh Al-Rifai, known as "Abu Khadija," a senior leader of ISIS in Iraq. The operation, carried out in Anbar province, was described as a major success.
Spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces, Sabah Al-Numan, told Sky News Arabia that "this operation was the result of over two years of preparation and six months of close surveillance of this terrorist’s movements," emphasizing that "Iraqi intelligence is working to sever ISIS’s connections and disrupt its networks."
Al-Numan also noted that "this terrorist was a key link in planning and coordinating ISIS operations not just in Iraq and Syria, but across the region."
Political and strategic affairs expert Sarmad Al-Bayati described Abu Khadija’s elimination as "a severe blow to ISIS, given his role in restructuring the organization and maintaining communication between its remnants after the loss of many top leaders." He further explained that "the group is currently experiencing significant weakness, which will likely impact its future operations."
Analysts believe that eliminating a prominent figure like Abu Khadija will have significant consequences for ISIS. As he held the title of "Deputy Caliph" and oversaw what the group referred to as the "Wilayat of Iraq and Syria," his absence will create a leadership vacuum that will not be easily filled.
Al-Numan stressed that "ISIS has lost all its operational capabilities in Iraq," but at the same time, he warned that "the group is still attempting to reorganize itself, particularly outside Iraq, by activating its sleeper cells in other regions, such as the African Sahel."
Sarmad Al-Bayati pointed out that "ISIS’s top-tier leadership is weakening, and the group may seek to appoint a new leader from outside Iraq and Syria, possibly in Somalia, where terrorist operations have shifted towards West Africa."
Iraqi and International Security Cooperation: A Key Factor
This operation demonstrated the efficiency of intelligence and security cooperation between Iraq and the international coalition in eliminating key ISIS figures.
According to Al-Numan, "Iraqi security efforts have significantly advanced, thanks to a comprehensive database covering all ISIS members and high-level coordination with the coalition forces and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq."
Al-Bayati added that "ISIS is now operating with extreme caution, but Iraqi intelligence capabilities have made tracking it possible using advanced technologies." He also revealed that "key intelligence leading to Abu Khadija’s location came from his wife, which helped pinpoint his exact whereabouts before the strike."
Has ISIS Reached Its End in Iraq?
Despite the successful elimination of Abu Khadija, completely eradicating ISIS still requires ongoing security and intelligence operations. The group continues to pose challenges, particularly as it seeks to rebuild its network outside Iraq.
Al-Numan stated that "eliminating this terrorist leader does not mean the end of ISIS, but it significantly weakens the organization and limits its ability to carry out large-scale attacks." Al-Bayati also warned that "ISIS is facing a serious leadership crisis, but its attempts to regroup in new locations should not be underestimated."
The killing of Abu Khadija represents a major blow to ISIS, accelerating its fragmentation in Iraq and Syria. However, the group remains a security threat, particularly as it looks to expand its influence elsewhere. Experts stress that continued coordination between Iraq and the international coalition will be crucial to ensuring the final eradication of ISIS and preventing its resurgence.
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BENEFIT AGM approves 10%...
- March 27, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).
Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.
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