The organization commonly known as **ISIS** (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), also referred to as **ISIL** (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) or **Daesh**, is a Salafi-jihadist militant group that emerged from the chaos of the Iraq war and the Syrian civil war. It originated from a network led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in 2004, which became al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI). After Zarqawi's death in 2006, the group evolved under Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, expanding its operations into Syria around 2011. In 2013, AQI rebranded as ISIS, and in 2014, it declared itself a caliphate, claiming religious and political authority over Muslims worldwide while controlling large territories in Iraq and Syria[1][5][6]. ISIS is notorious for its brutal tactics, including mass executions, terrorism, and destruction of cultural heritage sites. Its governance model was based on an extreme fundamentalist interpretation of Sunni Islam, enforcing harsh Sharia law in areas under its control. The group also inspired and orchestrated terrorist attacks globally, contributing to widespread instability and humanitarian crises in the Middle East[1][5][6]. Key achievements—though destructive—include establishing a quasi-state with administrative structures, attracting thousands of foreign fighters, and influencing jihadist movements worldwide. However, by 2019, an international coalition had largely dismantled its territorial control, capturing its last stronghold in Syria. Despite this, ISIS remains active as an insurgent network in Iraq and Syria and maintains affiliated cells across Africa, Asia, and Europe[5]. The organization's multiple names reflect geopolitical nuances: ISIS emphasizes Iraq and Syria, while ISIL includes the broader Levant region, which is more geographically accurate. The Arabic acronym Daesh is often used by regional governments and opponents, partly because ISIS/ISIL rejects it and punishes its use severely[2][3