Rifai, known as 'Abu Khadija,' a prominent leader of ISIS, was killed in an Iraqi intelligence operation with U.S. support. The operation coincided with Syria's top diplomat's visit to Iraq, emphasizing mutual efforts to combat IS resurgence.

Prime Minister al-Sudani hails the killing of Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rufay’i as a major blow to ISIL remnants in Iraq.

The killing comes as the group has been reconstituting in Syria, carrying out more attacks than at any time since it lost control of its territory nearly six years ago.