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Islamic State

Transnational Salafi jihadist group and former quasi-state.

The Islamic State, also known as ISIL or ISIS, originated in 2004 as a jihadist organization. It gained global prominence in 2014 by capturing territories in Iraq and Syria. After losing control in 2019, it resorted to insurgency tactics. Despite being designated a terrorist organization, it maintained a presence in Africa.

Related

Al-Qaeda Iraq War Arab Spring Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa Saddam Hussein Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Hezbollah Bashar al-Assad Osama bin Laden Muhammad

Timeline

Founding of Jamāʻat al-Tawḥīd wa-al-Jihād

The organization was founded by Jihadist leader Abu Mus'ab al-Zarqawi in Jordan in 1999.

Death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi

On 7 June 2006, a US airstrike killed al-Zarqawi, the leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq. He was succeeded by the Egyptian militant Abu Ayyub al-Masri, marking a transition in the group's leadership.

Formation of the Islamic State of Iraq

On 12 October 2006, the Mujahideen Shura Council united with smaller groups and Sunni tribes to establish the Islamic State of Iraq. This marked the beginning of a new phase in the group's evolution and territorial ambitions.

Death of ISI's top leaders

On 18 April 2010, ISI's top leaders, al-Masri and Omar al-Baghdadi, were killed in a joint US-Iraqi raid near Tikrit. This event significantly impacted the group's leadership structure and operations.

Appointment of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as leader of ISI

On 16 May 2010, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was appointed as the new leader of the Islamic State of Iraq. His leadership marked a new phase in the group's evolution and strategies.

Formation of al-Nusra Front

Jabhat an-Nuṣrah li-Ahli ash-Shām, also known as al-Nusra Front, was established in Syria as an autonomous entity within the Al-Qaeda network, gaining popularity among Syrians opposed to the Assad government.

Formation of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi claimed the merger of al-Nusra Front and ISI under the name Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIL), leading to a split within the Jihadist movement and fierce conflict with Al-Qaeda.

ISIL Proclaimed Itself as the Islamic State

On 29 June 2014, ISIL declared itself as 'the Islamic State', establishing a worldwide caliphate with Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as its caliph. The group renamed itself ad-Dawlah al-Islāmiyah ('Islamic State' (IS)), claiming authority over all Muslims globally.

Al-Baghdadi's First Public Appearance

On July 4th, Al-Baghdadi, the leader of ISIS, makes his first public appearance at Mosul's al-Nuri Mosque, urging Muslims worldwide to pledge allegiance to the caliphate under his leadership.

ISIL Expansion to the Philippines

On 23 July 2014, Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon pledged allegiance to al-Baghdadi, extending ISIL's presence to the Philippines. This move marked the group's reach beyond the Middle East.

ISIL Capture of Zumar, Sinjar, and Wana

On 3 August 2014, ISIL seized the cities of Zumar, Sinjar, and Wana in northern Iraq, leading to the displacement of thousands of Yazidis. This event prompted the 2014 American intervention in Iraq.

U.S. launches airstrikes against IS in Iraq

On August 8, 2014, the United States initiated a campaign of airstrikes against the Islamic State in Iraq as part of efforts to combat the militant group's advances and atrocities in the region.

U.S.-led coalition starts air campaign against IS in Syria

On September 22, 2014, the U.S.-led coalition commenced an air campaign against the Islamic State in Syria, expanding the efforts to counter the militant group's influence and operations beyond Iraq.

Formation of the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL

On December 3, 2014, the Global Coalition to Counter the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) was established, comprising 59 national governments and the European Union, with a focus on degrading and defeating ISIL through various strategies.

Boko Haram Pledge to ISIL

On 7 March 2015, Boko Haram formally swore allegiance to ISIL, establishing an official ISIL presence in Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. This alliance expanded ISIL's reach in Africa.

Retaking of Tikrit by U.S.-Backed Iraqi Forces

On April 1st, 2015, Iraqi forces supported by the United States recapture Tikrit from ISIS, achieving a crucial victory against the terrorist organization.

IS captures Palmyra in Syria

In May 2015, the Islamic State captured the ancient Syrian town of Palmyra. Subsequently, the extremists destroyed archaeological treasures in the area.

Islamic State Flag Display in Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian Refugee Camp

In January 2016, an Islamic State flag was seen hanging among electric wires over a street in Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon, near the city of Sidon.

Recapture of Ramadi by Iraqi forces

On February 9, 2016, Iraqi forces successfully recaptured the city of Ramadi after months of intense fighting. The battle resulted in enormous destruction of buildings and forced the majority of the population to flee.

IS captures Palmyra

In May 2016, the Islamic State captured the ancient Syrian town of Palmyra and later destroyed archaeological treasures.

Deadliest Attack in Baghdad Shopping Mall

On July 3, 2016, the Islamic State (IS) detonated a massive suicide truck bomb outside a shopping mall in Baghdad, resulting in the deaths of nearly 300 individuals. This attack marked the deadliest incident in Iraq since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion.

Capture of Islamic State Flag by Iraqi Army

On November 29, 2016, Iraqi Army soldiers celebrated capturing a flag of the Islamic State group during a military operation to regain control of a village outside Mosul, Iraq.

Liberation of Eastern Mosul

Prime Minister Al-Abadi declares the complete liberation of eastern Mosul from ISIS control, marking a significant milestone in the battle against the terrorist group in Iraq.

President Donald Trump issues National Security Presidential Memorandum to destroy ISIL

On January 28, 2017, President Donald Trump issued a National Security Presidential Memorandum calling for a comprehensive plan to destroy ISIL to be developed by the Defense Department within 30 days.

Establishment of Caliphate in Marawi by ISEAP

On May 23, 2017, ISEAP attempted to establish a caliphate in Southeast Asia by occupying the city of Marawi in the Philippines with over 1,000 militants. The operation was led by the Maute brothers and partly funded by the Islamic State.

SDF fighters attack on Raqqa

SDF fighters launch an attack on Raqqa from three sides with the support of U.S.-led airstrikes.

Battle for Mosul's Old City

Iraqi forces initiate a battle to capture the Old City of Mosul, which is the final stronghold of the Islamic State in the area.

Destruction of al-Nuri Mosque

The Islamic State destroys the iconic al-Nuri Mosque and its leaning minaret in Mosul as Iraqi forces approach, marking a significant loss of cultural heritage.

Iraqi Prime Minister Declares Victory over ISIS in Mosul

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al Abadi declared victory over ISIS in Mosul, marking a significant milestone in the fight against the terrorist group. The victory came after months of bloody battles and the recapture of key strategic areas.

Victory over IS in Mosul

The Iraqi Prime Minister officially announces the defeat of the Islamic State in Mosul, signaling the end of the extremist group's control over the city and their self-proclaimed caliphate in Iraq.

SDF takes full control of Raqqa

After enduring heavy bombardment, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) finally seizes full control of Raqqa, resulting in devastating consequences for the city.

Retaking of Marawi City by Armed Forces of the Philippines

After a five-month-long siege, the Armed Forces of the Philippines successfully retook Marawi City from insurgent forces on October 23, 2017. The operation resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,000 individuals, mostly terrorists, and the displacement of hundreds of thousands more.

Recapture of Deir ez-Zor by Syrian forces

On 3 November, Deir ez-Zor, ISIL's last major city in Syria, was recaptured.

JAD Perpetrates Suicide Attacks on Churches in Surabaya

On May 13, 2018, JAD carried out Indonesia's largest attack since the 2002 Bali bombings by orchestrating suicide attacks on multiple churches in Surabaya. The coordinated bombings resulted in the death of 28 individuals and left 57 others injured.

IS leader al-Baghdadi resurfaces in audio recording

In August 2018, Islamic State leader al-Baghdadi appeared in his first purported audio recording in almost a year, where he urged his followers to continue fighting.

IS Fighter Clashes with SDF in Baghouz, Syria

In March 2019, an IS fighter was captured on video firing his weapon during clashes with the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces in Baghouz, Syria. This incident highlighted the ongoing conflict between the Islamic State group and the SDF.

SDF Captures Baghouz, Ending ISIS' Territorial Control

The Syrian Democratic Forces captured Baghouz, the last enclave held by ISIS in eastern Syria, marking the end of ISIS' claim to any territory. This event signified a major defeat for the terrorist group.

Death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the Islamic State militant group, was reportedly killed in a U.S. military raid in Syria's Idlib province. This event marked the end of a notorious figure in the global terrorist landscape.

Death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the militant group, died after detonating his suicide vest in a tunnel in Syria's Idlib province while being pursued by U.S. forces.

Attack on Catholic Church in Marawi

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack on a Catholic church in Marawi, Philippines. The incident occurred on December 3, 2023.

Moscow Attack by ISIS

A mass casualty theater attack in Moscow carried out by affiliates of the Islamic State, showcasing their ability to infiltrate powerful states.

End of the Timeline
Islamic State

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