Defcon Alerts Threat Monitor

Defcon Alerts Threat Monitor

Share this post

Defcon Alerts Threat Monitor
Defcon Alerts Threat Monitor
US and Iraqi Forces Conduct Airstrike in Al Anbar, Eliminates multiple ISIS Operatives, Including Senior Leader
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
Mideast

US and Iraqi Forces Conduct Airstrike in Al Anbar, Eliminates multiple ISIS Operatives, Including Senior Leader

The Iraqi government further identified him as “Deputy Caliph,” Governor of Iraq and Syria, head of the authorized committee, and head of foreign operations offices.

Defcon Level's avatar
Defcon Level
Mar 15, 2025
∙ Paid
2

Share this post

Defcon Alerts Threat Monitor
Defcon Alerts Threat Monitor
US and Iraqi Forces Conduct Airstrike in Al Anbar, Eliminates multiple ISIS Operatives, Including Senior Leader
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
1
Share

IRAQ - On March 13, 2025, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces, in coordination with Iraqi Intelligence and Security Forces, conducted a targeted airstrike in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.

Share

Refer a friend

CENTCOM-SDF Strikes Target ISIS in Syria: Security Shifts Post-Assad

CENTCOM-SDF Strikes Target ISIS in Syria: Security Shifts Post-Assad

Defcon Level and Donald Standeford
·
Mar 8
Read full story
Turkey Deploys Forces to Idlib as Assad Remnants Kill At Least 13 in Syria’s Coastal Clashes

Turkey Deploys Forces to Idlib as Assad Remnants Kill At Least 13 in Syria’s Coastal Clashes

Defcon Level
·
Mar 6
Read full story
US Carries Out Precision Strike On Al-Qaeda Leader in Syria, Bolsters Regional Alliances

US Carries Out Precision Strike On Al-Qaeda Leader in Syria, Bolsters Regional Alliances

Defcon Level
·
Mar 1
Read full story

More Alerts On Middle East

The Standeford Journal - News, Intel Analysis
Security Belt-2025: Iran, China, and Russia Conduct Joint Naval Drills in the Gulf of Oman
MIDDLE EAST - On March 10, 2025, the navies of Iran, China, and Russia commenced a joint military exercise named "Security Belt-2025" in the Gulf of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean. This trilateral operation, centered near Iran’s strategic Chabahar port, marks the fifth iteration of such drills among these nations, reflecting a sustained effort to enhance military cooperation…
Read more
2 months ago · 1 like · Donald Standeford

The operation resulted in the deaths of two individuals identified as members of the Islamic State (ISIS), including Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, also known as “Abu Khadijah,” and another ISIS operative.

According to CENTCOM, Abu Khadijah held senior positions within ISIS, including Chief of Global Operations, a member of the Delegated Committee Emir, and a role in the group’s highest decision-making body, with responsibilities covering global operations, logistics, planning, and a significant portion of the organization’s financial management.

The Iraqi government further identified him as “Deputy Caliph,” Governor of Iraq and Syria, head of the authorized committee, and head of foreign operations offices, indicating his prominence within the organization.

Following the airstrike, CENTCOM and Iraqi forces assessed the site, confirming the deaths of both individuals, who were found wearing unexploded suicide vests and carrying multiple weapons.

Identification of Abu Khadijah was established through DNA analysis, using samples collected from a previous operation in which he had evaded capture.

The Iraqi Prime Minister issued a statement confirming the operation, attributing the outcome to the National Intelligence Service, in coordination with the Joint Operations Command and International Coalition Forces.

The statement noted Abu Khadijah’s status as a significant figure in ISIS and described the operation as part of ongoing efforts to address security threats in Iraq.

General Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command, stated that Abu Khadijah was a key member of ISIS’s global network and emphasized CENTCOM’s intent to continue targeting terrorist organizations threatening the United States, its allies, and regional partners.

The Iraqi government similarly highlighted Abu Khadijah’s role as a notable terrorist figure in Iraq and internationally, situating the operation within broader security efforts.

This operation took place alongside other CENTCOM activities in the region. On the same date, U.S. Army personnel from the 2nd Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Task Force Reaper, participated in Jade Cobra VI, a bilateral exercise in Jordan involving M1A2 Abrams tanks and M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles, aimed at enhancing military cooperation.

CENTCOM also reported operations involving Carrier Air Wing 1 with the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group and U.S. Air Force F-16 aircraft in Exercise Blue Sands, focused on regional air and missile defense integration, reflecting ongoing military engagements in the Middle East.

This post is for paid subscribers

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 Defcon Level
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share

Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More