Trump Applauds Killing of ISIS’s Leader in Joint U.S.-Iraq-Kurdistan Operation
Donald Trump expressed his satisfaction with the elimination of Abu Khadijah, emphasizing the collaboration between U.S., Iraqi, and Kurdish forces.
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – US President Donald Trump hailed the killing of Abdullah Makki Muslih, known as “Abu Khadijah,” the second-in-command of ISIS, in a precision airstrike conducted in coordination with Iraqi and Kurdistan Region security forces.
In a statement posted on his X account on Saturday, Trump expressed his satisfaction with the elimination of Abu Khadijah, emphasizing the collaboration between U.S., Iraqi, and Kurdish forces.
Today the fugitive leader of ISIS in Iraq was killed. He was relentlessly hunted down by our intrepid warfighters. His miserable life was terminated, along with another member of ISIS, in coordination with the Iraqi Government and the Kurdish Regional Government. PEACE THROUGH…
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) March 15, 2025
CENTCOM Confirms Elimination of ISIS Global Operations Chief
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) released a statement confirming Abu Khadijah’s death following DNA analysis. The statement noted that he was responsible for overseeing ISIS’ global terrorist activities, weapons procurement, and financial networks.
"As the leader of ISIS' most senior decision-making body, he managed operations, logistics, and financing for the group worldwide," CENTCOM stated.
U.S. Airstrike Targets ISIS in Anbar
On Mar. 13, 2025, U.S. forces, in coordination with Iraqi intelligence and security units, launched an airstrike in Iraq’s Anbar Province, targeting Abu Khadijah and another ISIS operative. The strike was followed by a ground operation in which U.S. and Iraqi forces confirmed the deaths of both terrorists.
CENTCOM reported that the two militants were wearing unexploded suicide vests and carrying multiple weapons.
CENTCOM Forces Kill ISIS Chief of Global Operations Who Also Served as ISIS #2
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 15, 2025
On March 13, U.S. Central Command forces, in cooperation with Iraqi Intelligence and Security Forces, conducted a precision airstrike in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, that killed the Global ISIS #2 leader,… pic.twitter.com/rWeEoUY7Lw
General Kurilla: We Will Continue to Target ISIS Leaders
The Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), Gen. Michael Kurilla, emphasized the strategic importance of the operation, stating:
“Abu Khadijah was one of the most influential ISIS leaders globally. We will continue to dismantle terrorist organizations that threaten the U.S., our allies, and partners in the region and beyond.”
Kurdistan Region Security Council Criticizes Lack of Recognition
Despite the success of the operation, the Kurdistan Region Security Council raised concerns over the federal government’s failure to acknowledge its role.
“Unfortunately, the federal Prime Minister’s statement did not recognize the crucial role played by the Kurdistan Region Security Council in this operation. Such oversight could jeopardize future cooperation between regional and federal institutions,” the Council said.
The council reiterated its commitment to countering terrorism and emphasized the importance of fostering a more collaborative approach to ensure Iraq’s security and stability.