The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria ISIS The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria
Creation of ISIS 2004 – Abu Musab al-Zarqawi establsihes al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) 2006 – AQI launches war on Shia in Iraq June 7, 2006 – al-Zarqawi killed in US strike Replaced by Abu Ayyub al-Masri
Oct. 2006 – AQI announces creation of Islamic State in Iraq (ISI) Abu Omar al-Baghdadi leader April 2010 – Abu Omar al-Baghdadi and Abu Ayyab al-Masri killed in US-Iraqi operation Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi becomes leader
April 8, 2013 – ISI absorbs Jabhat al-Nusra Al-Qaeda backed group in Syria ISI renamed Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) February 3, 2014 – al-Qaeda cuts ties to ISIS
ISIS takes Iraq June 2014 ISIS forces begin seizing sites in Iraq Mosul Tikrit Al-Qaim June 29 – ISIS announces creation of caliphate Erases state border Al-Baghdadi declared authority over world’s 1.5 billion Muslims
ISIS enters Syria July 2014 ISIS crosses border into Syria Takes control of oil fields Generates $6 million per day
ISIS beheads James Foley August 19, 2014 US Journalist Missing in Syria since 2012
Steven Sotloff Executed September 2, 2014 US Journalist Same executioner as James Foley
Execution of David Haines September 13, 2014 British Aid Worker Retaliation for Britain’s “evil alliance with America” Alan Henning threatened
US Airstrikes September 23, 2014 US bombs ISIS stronghold in northern Syria
Alan Henning Oct. 3, 2014 British Humanitarian Aid Worker