Al Qaeda in Iraq

Guide Note

Al Qaeda in Iraq is an insurgency groups thought to be led by Abu Hamza al-Muhajir. Founded by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, was killed in 2006, the group is a successor to al-Zarqawi's earlier insurgency group, Jama'at al-Tawhid wal-Jihad, which declared allegiance with Osama Bin Laden in 2004. A July, 2005 letter outlined the group's goals as expanding the war in Iraq by expelling United States forces, establishing an Islamic caliphate, spreading the conflict to secular neighbors, and engaging in war with Israel. Al Qaeda in Iraq is considered to be the most powerful insurgency group in Iraq, and the most formidable opponent of the United States mission there. Al Qaeda in Iraq is known to have been involved in chlorine bomb attacks, inciting sectarian violence, intimidation of Iraqi citizens, and military operations both inside Iraq and in neighboring countries.

Fast Facts

1. The group is blamed with straining sectarian tensions, mostly by use of car bomb attacks.
2. The group prohibits most facets of western culture, including western-styled clothing and pop music.
3. Though members of Al Qaeda in Iraq are from other countries, a significant number are local residents of Iraq.
4. In July 2007 Abu Shahid, the highest ranking Iraqi leader of Al-Qaeda in Iraq (according to the U.S. command), was captured in Mosul