Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant

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Also known as
Founder
Founding leader
Leaders	Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi (deceased), Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurashi (current)
Military leader
Political leader

The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), and by its Arabic acronym Daesh, is a militant group and formerly unrecognized proto-state that follows a fundamentalist, Salafi jihadist doctrine of Sunni Islam. ISIL gained global prominence in early 2014 when it drove Iraqi government forces out of key cities in its Western Iraq campaign, followed by its capture of Mosul and the Sinjar massacre.

History

ISIL originated as Jama'at al-Tawhid wal-Jihad in 1999, which pledged allegiance to Al-Qaeda and participated in the Iraq War. Following the death of its founder, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, in 2006, it became known as the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI). The group expanded into Syria in 2013, under the leadership of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, and declared a worldwide caliphate in June 2014. The declaration of a caliphate led to a significant increase in the number of foreign fighters traveling to Iraq and Syria to join ISIL.

Ideology

ISIL's ideology is based on an extreme interpretation of Sunni Islam, combined with Salafist and Wahhabist extremism. It advocates the return to the original ways of Islam and rejects any innovation or interpretation that deviates from the early days of the religion. The group is known for its strict interpretation of Sharia law and has implemented it in areas under its control.

Governance and territorial control

At its height in 2014, ISIL held vast territories across Iraq and Syria, including major cities like Mosul, Raqqa, and parts of Aleppo. The group established a governance structure that included courts, police, and other administrative bodies. However, since 2017, ISIL has lost most of its territory due to military campaigns by various global and regional actors, including the United States, Russia, and local forces in Iraq and Syria.

Military actions and tactics

ISIL is known for its brutal tactics, which include beheadings, crucifixions, and mass executions. The group has also carried out numerous terrorist attacks outside the Middle East, including in Europe and North America. Its military strategy includes conventional warfare, guerrilla tactics, and the extensive use of suicide bombers.

Current status and international response

As of the latest updates, ISIL has been territorially defeated in Iraq and Syria, but it continues to operate as an insurgency and maintains active affiliates in regions such as Afghanistan, West Africa, and the Sinai Peninsula. The international response to ISIL has included military interventions, counter-terrorism measures, and efforts to counteract the group's online propaganda and recruitment.

See also

• Al-Qaeda
• Terrorism
• Caliphate
• Jihad