Al-Qaeda in Iraq

Al-Qaeda in Iraq was a militant extremist group that emerged in the early 2000s, evolving from the larger Al-Qaeda network. It aimed to establish an Islamic state through violent means, including bombings and attacks targeting civilians, security forces, and government institutions, primarily in Iraq. The group promoted a radical interpretation of jihad and sought to undermine the Iraqi government and foreign presence. Over time, it became a major insurgent force amid Iraq’s instability, contributing significantly to violence in the region. In 2013, it rebranded itself as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), expanding its operations beyond Iraq.