The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)

The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), also known as ISIS, is a militant extremist group that seeks to establish a strict Islamic caliphate across parts of Iraq, Syria, and the broader Middle East. Originating from insurgencies after the Iraq war, it gained global attention with its rapid territorial gains in 2014, employing brutal violence and terrorism to impose its interpretation of Sharia law. The group aims to create a religious state through strict governance, often using extreme violence, kidnappings, and attacks against civilians and governments. International coalitions have since worked to weaken and dismantle its operational capabilities.