Fri Mar 14 18:07:16 UTC 2025: ## Top ISIS Leader Killed in Iraq, Boosting Anti-Terror Efforts

**Baghdad, Iraq** – Iraqi security forces, with the support of the US-led coalition, have killed Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rufay’i, a high-ranking ISIS leader also known as Abu Khadija, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced Friday. The Prime Minister hailed the operation as a major blow to remaining ISIS elements in the country, calling Abu Khadija “one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world.”

The announcement comes as Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani visited Baghdad, pledging increased cooperation with Iraq in the fight against ISIS remnants along their shared border. Al-Shaibani emphasized that security is a shared responsibility and that reopening the border, currently closed for security reasons, would be crucial for boosting bilateral trade.

While Iraq declared victory over ISIS in 2017, the group continues to operate sleeper cells and launch sporadic attacks. The killing of Abu Khadija is seen as a significant step in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts. The visit from the Syrian official underscores the regional cooperation needed to combat the persistent threat posed by ISIS. The complexities of the relationship between Iraq and Syria, including Iraq’s strategic partnership with the US and its alliance with Iran, were also highlighted in the context of the ongoing fight against terrorism.

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