The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIL)

The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIL), also known as ISIS, is a militant group that emerged from al-Qaeda in Iraq during the U.S. invasion in 2003. It aims to establish a caliphate governed by its strict interpretation of Islamic law. ISIL gained prominence in 2014 by capturing large territories in Iraq and Syria, gaining global notoriety for its brutal tactics, including mass killings and terrorism. The group has since been weakened by military efforts but remains a security threat, inspiring extremist movements and lone-wolf attacks worldwide.