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ISI Begins
Following the U.S. invasion of Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi began forming a jihadist group called Islamic State (ISI). Jihadists are groups of poeple engaged in opposition to Western influence. Islamic State was the forerunner for ISIS. -
Zarqawi is killed
After leading ISI/AQI for three years, Zarqawi is killed by a U.S. airstrike. After news had spread of his death, many tears of joy were shed. He had been unwaveringly losing support because of his brutality against Muslims. Abu Ayyub Al-Masri replaces him as leader. -
Masri Creates Islamic State in Iraq
Abu Ayyub al Masri establishes Islamic State in Iraq and names Abu Omar Baghdadi as leader. Baghdadi is a religious scholar who showed extreme loyalty to ISI. The Islamic State in Iraq grows with him as leader. -
Abu Bakr al Baghdadi Takes Charge
In a joint Iraq-U.S. attack, Abu Omar al Baghdadi and Abu Ayyub al Masri are killed. They leave behind ISI with no leaders, so Baghdadi steps in and takes charge as the new leader or ISI. Abu Bakr al Baghdadi is Abu Omar al Baghdadi's son. -
Baghdadi Sends Operatives to Syria
Baghdadi sends skilled soilders to Syria. One of them, Abu Muhammad al Julani, becomes the leader or the Nursa Front. The Nursa Front is a jihadist group with ties to Al-Qaeda. -
Baghdadi Moves to Syria
Abu Bakr al Baghdadi moves to Syria to reign more power. Baghdadi declares that ISI is merging with the Nursa Front. He then renames the group ISIS, Islamis State of Iraq and Syria. Contrary to what Baghdadi claimed, Julani rejects this alliance and declares the Nursa Front's allegence to Al Qaeda. -
ISIS Captures One Third of Iraq
ISIS begins to spread and conquer most of Iraq. The Iraqi army is weak due to corruption and easily is overthrown by the newly powerful ISIS. They quickly captured many important cities and gained almost a third of all of Iraq. -
ISIS Takes Control Of Mosul Dam
ISIS takes control of a major dam in Iraq. The Mosul Dam is a hydroelectric dam on the Tigris river which provides power to the city of Mosul. This provoked fear of loss of power and water sources for thousands. -
U.S. Involvement
After ISIS conquered Kurdish territory and left Yazidi civillians without a home, the U.S. was outraged. President Obama declared that the United States was to join the efforts to dismantel ISIS. He announced that the U.S. would be launching airstrikes. -
ISIS Releases Execution Videos
In an effort to spread global terror, Baghdadi released multiple videos of executions on the internet. Videos of the beheadings of James Foley, Stevn Sotloff, David Haines, and Alan Henning were all posted. These men were journalists and aid workers who were captured and held prisoner by ISIS. -
Terror Attacks on Paris
ISIS claims responsibility for a series of terror attacks in Paris France. The attacks occured in a stadium during a soccer game and in a seperate building during a concert. There were over 130 casualties, this sent the world into a frenzy of parinoia and panic.
