The militant known as Abu Khadijah was one of the most important members in the Islamic State’s global organization, according to Centcom.

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.

Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifa was head of IS's most senior decision-making body, the US Central Command said.