Top IS Commander in Iraq Killed Along with Eight Senior Leaders
Abu Abdul Qader, the top commander of Islamic State (IS) in Iraq, was killed along with eight other senior leaders, according to Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. The operation was carried out by the country’s counter-terrorism and national security services in the Hamrin Mountains in northeastern Iraq, under the supervision of the Joint Operations Command (JOC).
Prime Minister al-Sudani praised the security forces for their exceptional operation to eliminate the IS commanders and emphasized that there is no place for terrorists in Iraq. The PM also revealed that the operation was supported by technical assistance and intelligence from ‘Global Coalition’ forces.
Following the recent events, Iraq and the US issued a joint statement indicating that the American-led international mission in Iraq will conclude over the next 12 months. However, the Pentagon clarified that while the US mission is changing, it will not constitute a full withdrawal.
The US invaded Iraq in 2003, leading to the devastation of the country and creating fertile ground for extremist groups like IS. Despite the US withdrawal in 2021, the recent operation in Iraq highlights the ongoing efforts to eliminate terrorism in the region.