U.S. forces and Iraq kill deputy caliph of Islamic State in operation

In Iraq, a significant counter-terrorism operation resulted in the killing of an important figure in the militant group Islamic State. Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, also known as Abu Khadija, who served as the deputy caliph of the Islamic State, was reported killed during an airstrike conducted by the Iraqi national intelligence service in collaboration with U.S.-led coalition forces in Anbar province. This operation took place on the night of March 14, 2025, with the Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirming the death the following day. Al-Rifai was described as one of the most dangerous terrorists both in Iraq and globally, reflecting ongoing security concerns in the region. The announcement of this operation coincided with the visit of Syria's foreign minister to Iraq, highlighting the countries' joint efforts to combat terrorism, particularly ISIS. Iraqi officials have voiced their worries about a potential resurgence of IS fighters following recent regional political changes, including the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, which has been a significant source of instability. Iraq and Syria have pledged to collaborate closely on security matters concerning IS, with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein mentioning an operations room formed by several Middle Eastern countries to target terrorist movements across borders. This renewed cooperation is vital, especially as there have been discussions on reducing U.S. military presence in Iraq by 2025, which has led some political figures to reassess the ongoing threat posed by ISIS. These developments illustrate the precarious security situation in Iraq and Syria, as they both navigate the complexities of combating terrorism while managing their diplomatic relationships in the region.