The US has once again eliminated a top militant leader of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). US President Donald Trump declared the operation a success on Saturday, destroying the main ISIS base in Iraq. Trump said that Abdullah Maki Musleh al-Rifai, alias Abu Khadija, and another ISIS member were killed in the operation.

The US carried out the military airstrike in cooperation with Iraqi and Kurdish forces.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed the operation and said that the slain ISIS leader Abu Khadija was one of the most dangerous terrorists in the world. In a statement, he praised the Iraqi security forces and the US-led military operation. Al-Sudani said, “The elimination of Abu Khadija is an important victory in Iraq’s fight against terrorism.”

Trump announced the success on his social media platform Truth, writing, “We conducted this operation in coordination with the Iraqi government and the Kurdish regional government. Abu Khadija and another ISIS member were killed. Peace through force has been achieved.” The White House also released a video showing the operation.

Abu Khadija was a top ISIS leader who played a key role in the group’s command structure. He was known for his deadly influence and strategic skills. According to experts, he was a potential contender for the position of global leader or caliph of ISIS. His death is considered a major blow to the group.

A security official said the airstrike was carried out in Iraq’s western Anbar province on Thursday night. The operation was announced on Friday during a visit to Iraq by Syrian Foreign Minister Asad al-Shaibani. Al-Shaibani said in a joint press conference with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, “We are committed to cooperating with Iraq in the fight against terrorism. Terrorism knows no borders.” He also stressed the importance of reopening the Iraq-Syria border, which would boost trade and strengthen bilateral ties. The border was closed for security reasons after the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad last December.

The operation is being seen as a significant success in the long-running fight against ISIS by the US, Iraq and their allies. It is another major setback for the group since the death of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2019. Analysts say the elimination of Abu Khadija could disrupt the group’s operations, although the possibility of ISIS regrouping cannot be ruled out.

The US and its allies are committed to continuing the fight against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. The operation is seen as an important step in strengthening global security.