ISIS, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (or the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant - ISIL) and Daesh, is a transnational Salafi-jihadist militant organization. The group adheres to a violent ideology, proclaiming itself a caliphate with religious authority over all Muslims, a claim not widely accepted. While its origins trace back to Al-Qaeda in Iraq, ISIS later acted autonomously and was disavowed by Al-Qaeda in 2014. By 2014, ISIS had seized significant territory in Iraq and Syria. Infamous for its brutal violence, ISIS has claimed responsibility for numerous terrorist attacks globally, including the Paris attacks of 2015. The group has also destroyed priceless monuments and cultural sites, claiming they are idolatrous.
Although ISIS lost most of its territory by 2019, it remains a global enterprise with branches and networks in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. As of 2025, estimates suggest that thousands of ISIS fighters remain active in Iraq and Syria. ISIS continues to launch attacks, primarily targeting government forces and Kurdish armed groups. The group also encourages supporters worldwide to conduct operations in their own countries. Despite suffering major setbacks, ISIS maintains a global network and dispersed leadership.
