2021 Cabo Delgado offensives

Aspect of ongoing armed conflict in Mozambique

2021 Cabo Delgado offensives

Part of the War against the Islamic State, the insurgency in Cabo Delgado

Rwandan forces in Mocimboa da Praia, October 2021
| Date| July – August 2021 (first offensive)
August – late September 2021 (second offensive)
October – November 2021 (minor offensives)

|

Location|

Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique; spillovers into Niassa Province and Mtwara Rural

Status|

Pro-government victory

* Much territory retaken in Cabo Delgado Province
* Reduction of rebel activity
* Insurgents launch counter-offensive in November 2021

Territorial
changes|  Mocímboa da Praia and other areas retaken by Mozambican government
Belligerents

Mozambique
Rwanda
SADC

* Tanzania[1]
* South Africa[2]
* Botswana[2]
* Lesotho[1]

|  Islamic State - Central Africa Province
Commanders and leaders
Cristóvão Artur Chume[3]
Innocent Kabandana[3]
"Frank"[4]
Xolani Mankayi[5]|  Bonomade Machude Omar (alias "Ibn Omar")[2]
"Sheikh Dr. Njile North"[6]
Rajab Awadhi Ndanjile †[7]
"Muhamudu" †[8]
Units involved

Mozambique Defence Armed Forces (FADM)
Rwanda Defence Force (RDF)

* Special Forces Brigade[6]

Standby Force Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM)

* SANDF special forces[9]
* 43 South African Brigade[9]
* BDF special forces[9]

Cabo Delago Province militias[9]
Tanzanian police (border defense)|  Islamic State's Central Africa Province (IS-CAP)
Al-Shabaab[10]
Strength

1,000[11]
738[2]|  Unknown
Casualties and losses
Unknown
4+ killed,[6] several wounded
1 killed[6]
1 wounded[6]|  70 killed (by 5 August)[12]

* v
* t
* e

Insurgency in Cabo Delgado

* Xitaxi
* 1st Mocímboa da Praia
* 2nd Mocímboa da Praia
* Muatide
* Palma
* 2021 offensives
* Mbau
* Mucojo (2021)
* Mucojo (2024)

Spillover

* Kitaya

From July to November 2021, the Mozambique Defence Armed Forces (FADM) and Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), and belligerents from Southern African Development Community (SADC) states, conducted offensives in Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique, against local rebels loyal to the Islamic State's Central Africa Province (IS-CAP). The first offensive succeeded in retaking the important town of Mocímboa da Praia which had previously fallen to rebels as a result of the insurgency in Cabo Delgado.

## Background

[edit]

The insurgency in Cabo Delgado Province began in 2017 when radicalized locals took up arms. Despite the area's wealth in natural resources, it had long been neglected and marginalized by the Mozambican central government. The rebels belonged to an Islamist group known by a variety of names, locally called al-Shabaab. The Mozambican government mismanaged the crisis, and the Mozambique Defence Armed Forces (FADM) were unable to crush the rebellion. From 2018, there were growing indications that the local rebels had begun to align with the Islamic State (IS). The group and its regional branch, IS-CAP, eventually started to describe the Cabo Delgado insurgents as their followers.[13] In 2020, the rebels were able to greatly expand their influence, even capturing the strategically important town of Mocímboa da Praia in a major offensive. In early 2021, the insurgents reduced their activity geographically, and instead focused on well-defended areas which were still controlled by the government in the insurgency's core zones. Most importantly, the rebels attacked and destroyed the town of Palma from March to April 2021.[12] By mid-2021, around 3,000 people had been killed and up to 800,000 civilians been displaced as a result of the insurgency.[13] The gradual escalation of violence has given rise to self-defense militias, many of whom are formed by ex-FADM soldiers and civil war veterans. Even though these groups claim to oppose the rebels, and are known to be fairly effective fighters, some militias are suspected of criminal activities as well as cooperation with the insurgents.[9] Militias are also known to murder and torture suspected rebels and captured insurgents.[6]

Botswana soldiers board a Botswana Defence Force plane to Mozambique, July 2021

On 9 July 2021,[14] Rwanda sent 1,000 personnel (700 soldiers, 300 policemen) to assist the Mozambican government against the rebels.[9] The contingent is led by Maj. Gen. Innocent Kabandana, an ex-special forces commander and veteran of the Rwandan Civil War.[3] The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) is known for being a well-trained and well-equipped force. The states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) also sent units, while other foreign states such as Portugal started support missions.[11][14] SADC assembled the so-called "Standby Force Mission in Mozambique" (SAMIM)[1] commanded by South African Major General Xolani Mankayi,[5] a veteran of the South African National Defence Force's intervention in the Burundian Civil War.[9] However, the initial SADC force consisted of just 738 soldiers and 19 civilian experts, limiting its ability to operate and provide effective military aid to Mozambique.[2] As international troops became more involved in the Cabo Delago insurgency, IS simultaneously increased the number of claims for attacks in Mozambique.[9]

## Offensives

[edit]

### First offensive

[edit]

Soon after their arrival, the Rwandans launched an offensive alongside FADM. Simultaneous to this offensive, Tanzania strengthened its border defenses, with the Tanzanian police carrying out operations to catch retreating rebels in Kibiti District.[12] The FADM-RDF forces receive substantial backing by local militias.[9] The Rwandans first focused on Palma, Nangade, and Mueda districts, proceeded to Muidumbe, and finally began to advance into Mocímboa da Praia District[9] whose north became the offensive's main area.[12] The RDF-led forces began a two-pronged attack aimed at retaking Mocímboa da Praia, with one force advancing from Palma along the coast, while the other moved from the south-west[10] using the N380 road.[9]

The Rwandans quickly broke through rebel defenses in the N380 corridor and seized the important town of Diaca.[9] From 24 July to at least 28 July,[15] IS-CAP and pro-government forces clashed at Awasse; IS claimed that its forces had put up a fierce defense and killed several pro-government soldiers.[12][15][16] It was later confirmed that the Rwandans had indeed suffered several casualties during the battle of Awasse.[15][16] In turn, the RDF claimed to have killed many rebels.[12][15] Later on, the joint Rwandan-Mozambican forces and allied militias[9] fully captured the strategically important settlement after Awasse's garrison retreated to Mocímboa da Praia.[14][17] These successes were attributed to the Rwandans' ability to react quickly and professionally to repeated rebel ambushes along the roads.[9] On 27 July, rebels raided the village of Chacamba, killing and kidnapping several civilians.[15]

From 28 to 30 July, insurgents battled security forces and militias at Chai, Macomia District, as the rebels repeatedly attacked the local army barracks.[15] On 30 July, RDF and FADM skirmished with insurgents at Nova Familia, Nangade District, during which three Rwandans were wounded and 13 rebels killed. the insurgents fled, raiding a nearby a nearby village before escaping into the bush. Meanwhile, IS repeatedly made claims of its forces raiding villages in Cabo Delgado throughout July, reportedly killing many militiamen. These attacks mostly took place in areas which were outside the offensive's area, suggesting that IS was trying to draw attention away from its failing defense in Mocímboa da Praia District.[15]

The Rwandan and Mozambican troops as well as the militias[9] moved along the N380, and were able to enter western Mocímboa da Praia on 1 August. Fighting intensified on the next day, as the Mozambican Navy conducted a amphibious landing of FADM and RDF troops with aerial support by Mozambican helicopters. Combat passed in the following night. The pro-government forces resumed their assault on 3 August, and were able to mostly evict the rebels from the settlement after intense clashes. Despite the substantial resistance, however, the insurgents appeared to spare their resources, operating in smaller groups and using hit-and-run tactics instead of trying to fully stop the government advance. Meanwhile, joint FADM-RDF columns continued advanced in the N380 corridor and further south in Mocímboa da Praia District, while FADM helicopters attacked suspected insurgents at Quelimane village and the mouth of the Messalo River. Fighting was also reported at Awasse, Chinda, and Mbau. By 4 August, the pro-government forces cobducted smaller-scale clearing operations in Mocímboa da Praia. In the next days, the rebels carried out a number of counter-attacks against Mocímboa da Praia,[12][16] and raided the settlements of Mandimba, Chacamba, Nune, and Quissama in Nangade District.[2]

On 8 August, the Rwandan military spokesman Ronald Rwivanga declared that the RDF and FADM had retaken Mocímboa da Praia from the insurgents.[11][12] The FADM later claimed that at least 33 rebels at been killed in the fighting at the town, and that important insurgent commanders had been captured without providing evidence for these statements.[2] The town was left depopulated and largely destroyed.[4] The pro-government forces then began to secure the area around the town, while preparing for a further push southward. On 10 August, FADM helicopters killed two civilians. Security force began to construct a new bridge across the Messalo River on the next day, intending to use it for the next offensive operations.[2]

### Second offensive

[edit]

See also: Battle of Mbau

After fully securing Mocímboa da Praia, the combined Rwandan and Mozambican units launched another offensive south of the town.[1] This operation initially concentrated on southern Mocímboa da Praia District, but also seemed to extend into the districts of Macomia and potentially Quissanga. The SADC states also began to assist the offensive, with SAMIM troops becoming involved in combat operations for the first time.[1]

By 14 August, security forces were possibly clashing with rebels at Mbau, Mangoma, and Ntotwe. On the same day, Tanzanian and Batswana soldiers reportedly battled rebels at Chicuaia Velha, Nangade District.[2] On 18 August government forces recaptured Marere south of Mocimboa da Praia.[18] On 20 August government forces captured Mbau, killing 11 militants.[19] Mbau had served as the rebels' "military and spiritual headquarters"; the RDF later reported that the insurgents had even built bunkers there.[10] On the same day, rebels reportedly ambushed SAMIM troops in Naquitengue, near Mbau,[16] and attacked the RDF at Naquitengue, reportedly resulted in 12 insurgent deaths.[20] Three days later, Rwandan troops captured an insurgent base called "Ubaua" in Quissanga District; the base was possibly already abandoned, as no fighting was reported. On the same day, a FADM soldier accidentally killed a civilian in Chitunda without being punished for this, resulting in locals complaining about the military acting with impunity. On 24 August, rebels massacred ten fishermen at Mucojo, Macomia District. Two days later, the FADM stopped a boat which was possibly smuggling food supplies to rebels off Mocimboa da Praia District. A joint FADM-RDF unit captured a rebel base near Ntchinga, Muidumbe District, on 27 August.[21] On 28 August, SAMIM troops reportedly raided an insurgent position at Muera River, capturing equipment and documents.[1]

On 1 September, the RDF and rebels battled along the Messalo River valley, with the Rwandans claiming to have inflicted heavy losses on their opponents.[20] Rebels counter-attacked in Mocímboa da Praia District on 3 September, aiming at Mocímboa da Praia town and the area close to Muera River. The attacks against the town were reported as being launched from the north and west, suggesting that the insurgents were still present in substantial numbers in the districts of Palma and Nangade. Meanwhile, SAMIM troops of Tanzanian and Basotho origin began deployment to Nangade.[1] In addition, security forces had begun to resettle displaced civilians at Palma[1] which had mostly been deserted since early 2021.[12] By mid-September, pro-government forces were reportedly attempting to eliminate the rebel base known as "Siri 1" in southern Mocímboa da Praia District,[22] and heavy fighting was still reported in the Messalo River valley.[23] On 12 September, insurgents ambushed a Rwandan convoy between Mbau and Indegue, Mocímboa da Praia District, with a land mine. SAMIM troops also began to deploy in Niassa Province; groups of insurgents were suspected of having retreated or otherwise relocated to Niassa.[22] Other bands of rebels were moving further south, away from the combat zone of the Messalo River.[23] These groups relocated to Quissanga and Macomia District, where the rebels began a series of attacks on local villages, massacring dozens of civilians.[23][6] SAMIM claimed to have captured the "Sheikh Ibrahim base" in northern Macomia District from rebels on 14 September.[6]

On 20 September, rebels launched a raid into Tanzania, targeting the minor village of Kagera, Mtwara Rural, where they looted, kidnapped and murdered civilians. Two days later, SAMIM soldiers attacked a rebel camp near Quiterajo, Macomia District, killing five militants and freeing 87 abducted civilians. On 23 September, insurgents launched attacks at the N380 road, ambushing Mozambican soldiers near Namoja, Quissanga District, and raiding the towns of Lindi, Songueia, and Quissanga II. Local civilians claimed that these attacks had been actually conducted by rogue policemen and militiamen, although they provided no proof for their allegations. Rebels also raided Tapara, northern Quissanga District, on the same day.[6]

On 24 September, SAMIM reported that its troops had destroyed a rebel base near Chitama, southeastern Nangade District, killing 17 insurgents. The pro-government forces suffered two losses during the operation, with one Tanzanian soldier killed and one Basotho soldier wounded.[6] Meanwhile, the RDF and FADM claimed to have captured the "Siri I" and "Siri II" bases as well as several villages from the rebels.[24] On 25 September, pro-government forces reportedly overran another militant base at Chitama, killing several rebels including a commander named Rajab Awadhi Ndanjile[20][7] who had led the rebel forces operating in Nangade District and a founding member of the insurgency.[20] At the end of September, the Rwandans gave a press conference in Mbau, claiming that the insurgents had been mostly evicted from the RDF's areas of operation. According to Cabo Ligado, their statements effectively passed the responsibility of combating the remaining rebels south of the Messalo River to SAMIM and FADM.[20]

### Continued pro-government operations

[edit]

From late September to early October, rebels continued hit-and-run attacks on civilian targets in Mueda, Nangade, and Palma, killing and kidnapping several civilians,[20][8] while several reports emerged according to which pro-government militias and Mozambican security forces were abusing civilians and killing prisoners.[8][25] On 1 October, FADM and insurgents battled at Miangalewa. Five days later, pro-government forces ambushed insurgents in Limala, southern Mocimboa da Praia District, killing a rebel leader known as "Muhamudu".[8] By 13 October, SAMIM resumed its offensive operations, freeing 47 kidnapped civilians at Bilibiza and Namuluco, Quissanga District.[26]

On 20 October, rebels launched another raid into Tanzania, targeting Kilimahewa village, Tandahimba District. They burnt a warehouse and captured several civilians, although a TPDF contingent arrived in time to rescue the hostages. For the rest of the month, insurgents attacked civilians in Macomia District.[27] Four days later, SAMIM reportedly destroyed three rebel bases in northern Macomia District, rescuing 13 kidnapped civilians. Surviving militants fled to the north of the Messalo River.[16] A joint RDF-FADM force overran an ad hoc rebel camp at Naquitengue, near Mbau, on 27 or 29 October, reportedly killing 20 militants and capturing vehicles as well as weaponry. Around the same time, SAMIM killed 5 rebels during a clash in Quissanga District.[28] From 1 to 10 November, SADC conducted a minor offensive in eastern Muidumbe District; the operation reportedly succeeded in destroying a number of rebel bases.[29] On 6–7 November, five rebels voluntarily surrendered to pro-government forces in Macomia and Muidumbe District. This was unusual, as the insurgents severely punish any desertion, while government forces often outright murder or torture any captured rebels; according to Cabo Ligado researchers, the surrenders thus suggest that the supply situation of the insurgents had become very dire.[28] Rebels also attacked Ntuleni, between Palma and Mocimboa da Praia, on 7 November, but a combined RDF-FADM force pursued, cornered and destroyed the raiding party with the help of drones.[16]

## Aftermath

[edit]

By mid-November, the rebels were conducting a counter-offensive to counter the pro-government advances of the previous months.[30] From 8 to 14 November, the rebels increased their attacks on settlements, targeting Lijungo, Nangade District, and the villages of 5º Congresso, Nanjaba, and Nambini in Macomia District. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for some of these raids and other attacks on civilian targets in the area. The raids prompted pursuits by joint FADM-SAMIM groups that managed to catch up with the Lijungo and 5º Congresso attackers, killing several. In addition, FADM-SAMIM troops successfully ambushed insurgents at Mandimba, eastern Nangade District, on 9 November, while militiamen claimed to had killed four rebels near 5º Congresso three days later.[16][31] The rebels also expanded their operations in Mueda District, raiding several localities from 12 to 16 November, and launching more cross-border attacks into Tanzania. Pinnacle News claimed that the rebels set up a new base at Nambungali, northern Mueda District. Clashes also continued further south from 18 to 19 November, centered at 5º Congresso and other sites in Nangade as well as Macomia Districts. Two days later, insurgents attempted to storm a camp in Mueda District, but were repelled by a local militia.[31]

By the end of November, northern Macomia District was heavily contested,[30] and the insurgents appeared to had moved their operations partially into Niassa Province. Despite this, the government offensives had greatly weakened the rebels by the end of 2021, with a significant reduction of fatalities being reported due to fighting.[32]

## Analysis

[edit]

The reconquest of Mocímboa da Praia was a major symbolic and strategic success for the Mozambican government, especially as it had previously struggled to contain the rebellion. Furthermore, the town can be used as staging point for further counter-insurgency operations and opens up roads, possibly ending the state of siege for several northern communities. Even though the first offensive was a success, however, the pro-government forces were unable to inflict substantial casualties on the insurgents. The RDF admitted by 5 August that just 70 rebels had been killed up to that point. In addition, the government forces were not able to rescue kidnapped civilians. Overall, the Islamists appeared to have conducted a fighting retreat during the first offensive, evacuating their personnel and sparing their fighters for future battles instead of holding territory.[12]

Observers argued that the intervention of Rwandan troops had proven crucial for the first offensive, as their support had enable the FADM to break through in areas such as the N380 corridor where its previous counter-insurgency operations had failed to dislodge the rebels.[12] In contrast to FADM soldiers who often retreated when ambushed by rebels, the RDF soldiers have the "training, leadership, and experience" to break through ambushes. Analysts of the Cabo Ligado project argued that this was the main difference to the Mozambican security forces, as the Rwandans differed very little in their operational doctrine from the FADM. The Rwandans have also won approval from local civilians due to their disciplined conduct and attempts to treat locals fairly.[9] Many locals began to treat the Rwandans as "heroes", waving Rwandan flags and acquiring pictures of Rwandan President Paul Kagame.[10] In sharp contrast, the locals generally suspect Mozambican security forces of being abusive and corrupt, although thousands of locals signed up to join the military or police to protect their families.[26]

By mid-September 2021, surrendered rebels described the insurgency as being in a state of chaos, with many militants deserting. Kidnapped civilians also stated that the rebels had begun to suffer from a significant lack of supplies.[23] In the next two months, the rebels were struggling to gather food, as the pro-government forces had driven them off their fields.[26][16] However, the rebels were still capable of offensive actions, as proven when they launched a counter-offensive in November 2021. Cabo Ligado argued that despite having been weakened, "IS-affiliated insurgents in northern Mozambique are proving resilient".[32]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b c d e f g h "Cabo Ligado Weekly: 30 August-5 September". Cabo Ligado (ACLED, Zitamar News, Mediafax). 7 September 2021. Retrieved 13 September 2021.
2. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Cabo Ligado Weekly: 9-15 August". Cabo Ligado (ACLED, Zitamar News, Mediafax). 17 August 2021. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
3. ^ a b c James Karuhanga (15 August 2021). "Who is Maj Gen Kabandana, the man leading Rwandan troops in Mozambique?". The New Times. Retrieved 6 October 2021.
4. ^ a b "Mocimboa da Praia: Mozambican ghost town after jihadists ejected". France24. AFP. 13 August 2021. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
5. ^ a b Mangwiro, Charles (10 August 2021). "Mozambique's President Unveils Southern African Troops to Fight Insurgents". Voice of America. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Cabo Ligado Weekly: 20-26 September". Cabo Ligado (ACLED, Zitamar News, Mediafax). 28 September 2021. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
7. ^ a b "Jihadist Chief, 18 Fighters Killed in Mozambique, Bloc Says". Voice of America. 2 October 2021. Retrieved 6 October 2021.
8. ^ a b c d "Cabo Ligado Weekly: 4-10 October". Cabo Ligado (ACLED, Zitamar News, Mediafax). 12 October 2021. Retrieved 3 December 2021.
9. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "Cabo Ligado Monthly: July 2021". Cabo Ligado (ACLED, Zitamar News, Mediafax). 16 August 2021. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
10. ^ a b c d Anne Soy (6 October 2021). "Mozambique crisis: Sex-slave freeing Rwandan soldiers greeted as heroes". BBC. Retrieved 6 October 2021.
11. ^ a b c "Mozambique insurgency: Key port retaken from insurgents - Rwanda". BBC. 8 August 2021. Retrieved 9 September 2021.
12. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Cabo Ligado Weekly: 2-8 August". Cabo Ligado (ACLED, Zitamar News, Mediafax). 10 August 2021. Retrieved 13 September 2021.
13. ^ a b Wadekar, Neha (18 August 2021). "'I ran, my heart was broken': inside Mozambique's evolving Cabo Delgado conflict". The Guardian. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
14. ^ a b c "Mozambique, Rwanda Armies Retake Key Jihadist-held Town". Voice of America. AFP. 8 August 2021. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
15. ^ a b c d e f g "Cabo Ligado Weekly: 26 July-1 August". Cabo Ligado (ACLED, Zitamar News, Mediafax). 3 August 2021. Retrieved 16 September 2021.
16. ^ a b c d e f g h "By the Numbers: Cabo Delgado, October 2017-November 2021". Cabo Ligado (ACLED, Zitamar News, Mediafax). 16 November 2021. Retrieved 4 December 2021.
17. ^ "Rwanda Troops in Mozambique Claim Progress Against Jihadists". Voice of America. AFP. 5 August 2021. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
18. ^ Depois de Mocímboa da Praia: força conjunta invade principal base terrorista em Marere, posto administrativo de Mbau, 19 August 2021
19. ^ Mozambique: Mozambican and Rwandan Forces Take Mbau, 24 August 2021
20. ^ a b c d e f "Cabo Ligado Weekly: 27 September-3 October". Cabo Ligado (ACLED, Zitamar News, Mediafax). 5 October 2021. Retrieved 3 December 2021.
21. ^ "Cabo Ligado Weekly: 23-29 August". Cabo Ligado (ACLED, Zitamar News, Mediafax). 31 August 2021. Retrieved 16 September 2021.
22. ^ a b "Cabo Ligado Weekly: 6-12 September". Cabo Ligado (ACLED, Zitamar News, Mediafax). 14 September 2021. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
23. ^ a b c d "Cabo Ligado Weekly: 13-19 September". Cabo Ligado (ACLED, Zitamar News, Mediafax). 21 September 2021. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
24. ^ "Rwanda, Lesotho contingents visit soldiers deployed to Cabo Delgado". Defence Web. 21 September 2021. Retrieved 6 October 2021.
25. ^ "Cabo Ligado Weekly: 25-31 October". Cabo Ligado (ACLED, Zitamar News, Mediafax). 2 November 2021. Retrieved 3 December 2021.
26. ^ a b c "Cabo Ligado Weekly: 11-17 October". Cabo Ligado (ACLED, Zitamar News, Mediafax). 19 October 2021. Retrieved 3 December 2021.
27. ^ "Cabo Ligado Weekly: 18-24 October". Cabo Ligado (ACLED, Zitamar News, Mediafax). 26 October 2021. Retrieved 3 December 2021.
28. ^ a b "Cabo Ligado Weekly: 1-7 November". Cabo Ligado (ACLED, Zitamar News, Mediafax). 10 November 2021. Retrieved 3 December 2021.
29. ^ "Cabo Ligado Weekly: 29 November-5 December". Cabo Ligado (ACLED, Zitamar News, Mediafax). 7 December 2021. Retrieved 17 February 2021.
30. ^ a b "Cabo Ligado Monthly: November 2021". Cabo Ligado (ACLED, Zitamar News, Mediafax). 15 December 2021. Retrieved 17 February 2021.
31. ^ a b "Cabo Ligado Weekly: 15-21 November". Cabo Ligado (ACLED, Zitamar News, Mediafax). 23 November 2021. Retrieved 5 December 2021.
32. ^ a b "Cabo Ligado Monthly: December 2021". Cabo Ligado (ACLED, Zitamar News, Mediafax). 21 January 2022. Retrieved 17 February 2021.

* v
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Islamic State

Names of the Islamic State

Members
(List of leaders)|

| Current|

*   * Abu Hafs al-Hashimi al-Qurashi
* Abu Hudhayfah Al-Ansari
* Abdul Qadir Mumin
* Abu Yusaf
* Abu al-Baraa el-Azdi
* Abu Habib al-Libi
* Abu Jandal al-Masri
* Bajro Ikanović
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* Fatiha Mejjati
* Ahlam al-Nasr
* Issam Abuanza
* Musa Baluku
* Abu Fatima al-Jaheishi
* Zulfi Hoxha

|

† Former|

* Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi
* Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurashi
* Abu al-Hasan al-Hashimi al-Qurashi
* Abu al-Hussein al-Husseini al-Qurashi
* Abu Ahmad al-Alwani
* Haji Bakr
* Abu Usamah al-Maghrebi
* Abu Abdulrahman al-Bilawi
* Abu Muhannad al-Suwaydawi
* Abdul Rauf Aliza
* Abu Sayyaf
* Ali Awni al-Harzi
* Tariq al-Harzi
* Abu Khattab al-Tunisi
* Maher Meshaal
* Abu Muslim al-Turkmani
* Abu Saleh
* Mohammed Emwazi
* Abu Nabil al-Anbari
* Abu Ali al-Anbari
* Abu Waheeb
* Ali Aswad al-Jiburi
* Abu Omar al-Shishani
* El-Hassen Ould Khalill Jouleibib
* Abu Mohammad al-Adnani
* Abu Hamza Al-Qurashi
* Abu Muhammad al-Furqan
* Abu Jandal al-Kuwaiti
* Abu Bilal al-Harbi
* Ahmad Abousamra
* Turki al-Binali
* Tareq Kamleh
* Lavdrim Muhaxheri
* Abu Osama al-Masri
* Abul-Hasan al-Muhajir
* Abu Muhammad al-Shimali
* Gulmurod Khalimov
* Abdul Nasser Qardash (captured)
* Abu Yasser al-Issawi
* Adnan Abu Walid al-Sahrawi
* Abu Hamza Al-Qurashi
* Yusuf al-Hindi
* Abu Omar al-Muhajir (captured)
* Othman al-Nazih
* Jamal Udeen Al-Harith
* Aine Davis (captured)
* Alexanda Kotey (captured)
* El Shafee Elsheikh (captured)
* Denis Cuspert
* Abdelhamid Abaaoud
* Boubaker El Hakim
* Abu Musab al-Zarqawi

History|

* Jama'at al-Tawhid wal-Jihad (1999–2004)
* Al-Qaeda in Iraq (2004–2006)
* Mujahideen Shura Council (2006)
* Islamic State of Iraq (2006–2013)
* Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (2013–2014)
* Islamic State (2014–present)

Timeline of events|

* 2013
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Groups|

| International branches|

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|

Unorganized cells|

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Wars|

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* Opposition–Islamic State conflict
* Sinai insurgency
* Second Libyan Civil War
* Insurgency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
* Mozambique
* Islamist insurgency in the Sahel
* Mali War
* War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)
* Conflict with Taliban
* Moro conflict (1968–2019)
* al-Qaeda insurgency in Yemen
* Yemeni civil war (2014–present)
* Boko Haram insurgency
* Military intervention against IS
* US intervention in Iraq
* US intervention in Syria
* Russian intervention in Syria
* Turkish operation
* Somalia

Battles|

| 2013|

* Akashat
* Hawija
* Raqqa
* Al-Shabah
* Ras al-Ayn
* Tell Abyad
* Latakia
* Menagh
* Sidi Ali Ben Aoun
* Sadad
* Qalamoun
* Aleppo
* Al-Yaarubiyah
* Tell Hamis and Tell Brak
* Anbar

|

2014|

* Fallujah
* N Aleppo
* Markada
* N Iraq (Jun)
* Mosul
* Salahuddin
* Baiji (Jun)
* Tikrit
* N Iraq (Aug)
* Kobanî
* Sinjar (Aug)
* Derna
* Ramadi
* Deir ez-Zor
* Baiji (14–15)
* Sinjar (Dec)
* Zumar
* Amirli

2015|

* Nofaliya
* W Africa
* Egyptian airstrikes in Libya
* Niger raid
* E al-Hasakah
* Tikrit
* Sirte
* Hama & Homs (Mar–Apr)
* Sarrin (Mar–Apr)
* Yarmouk
* Qalamoun
* Palmyra (May)
* W al-Hasakah
* Al-Hasakah city
* Tell Abyad
* Sarrin (Jun–Jul)
* Al-Hasakah
* Kobani
* Palmyra (Jul–Aug)
* Ramadi (15–16)
* Al-Qaryatayn
* Al-Hawl
* Homs (Nov–Dec)
* Sinjar
* E Aleppo (15–16)
* Niveneh Plains
* Tishrin Dam

2016|

* Deir ez-Zor (Jan)
* Fallujah (Feb–May)
* Nangarhar
* Ben Guerdane
* Ithriyah-Raqqa (Feb–Mar)
* Al-Shaddadi
* Khanasir
* Al-Qaryatayn (Mar–Apr)
* Palmyra (Mar)
* N Aleppo (Mar–Jun)
* Hīt
* Tipo-Tipo
* Sirte
* Ar-Rutbah
* N Raqqa
* Fallujah (May–Jun)
* Manbij
* Ithriyah-Raqqa (Jun)
* Abu Kamal
* al-Rai (Aug)
* N al-Bab (Sep)
* W al-Bab (Sep)
* Dabiq
* W al-Bab (Oct–Nov)
* Al-Bab
* Aleppo
* Palmyra

2017|

* Mosul (16–17)
* Raqqa (16–17)
* Palmyra
* Deir ez-Zor (Jan–Feb)
* E Aleppo (Jan–Apr)
* E Homs
* Hama
* W Nineveh
* Tabqa
* Syrian Desert (Dec 16–Apr 17)
* Syrian Desert (May–Jul)
* Maskanah
* Marawi
* Raqqa
* S Raqqa
* C Syria
* Tal Afar
* Deir ez-Zor (17–19)
* Hawija
* E Syria (Sep–Dec)
* NW Syria (Oct 17–Feb 18)
* Abu Kamal
* W Iraq

2018|

* As-Suwayda (Jun)
* S Syria
* As-Suwayda (Aug–Nov)

2019|

* Hajin
* Baghuz Fawqani
* Barisha raid

2020|

* Chinagodrar
* Danag
* Mocímboa da Praia
* Al Bayda

2021|

* Tessit
* Palma
* Sambisa
* Dangarous

2022|

* Al-Hasakah
* Atme raid
* Andéramboukane
* Talataye

2023|

* Falagountou
* Tin-Akoff

Attacks|

| 2014|

* Jewish Museum of Belgium shooting
* Camp Speicher massacre
* Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu ramming

|

2015|

* Hypercacher kosher supermarket siege
* Beheading of Copts in Libya
* Corinthia Hotel
* Al Qubbah bombings
* Bardo National Museum
* Sanaa bombings (Mar)
* Jalalabad bombing
* Curtis Culwell Center
* Qatif & Dammam bombings
* 26 June
* Kobanî massacre
* Saint-Quentin-Fallavier
* Kuwait mosque bombing
* Sousse
* Khan Bani Saad bombing
* Suruç bombing
* Baghdad bombing (Aug)
* Sanaa bombing (Sep)
* Ankara bombings
* Saihat shooting
* Metrojet Flight 9268
* Beirut bombings
* Paris (Nov)
* Tunis bombing
* San Bernardino attack
* Qamishli bombings

2016|

* Zliten truck bombing
* Hurghada
* Istanbul bombing (Jan)
* Jakarta
* Ramadi bombing
* Mahasin mosque
* Sayyidah Zaynab (Jan)
* Mosul massacre
* Dikwa bombings (Feb)
* Homs bombings (Feb)
* Sayyidah Zaynab bombings (Feb)
* Baghdad bombings (Feb)
* Istanbul bombing (Mar)
* Brussels bombings
* Aden bombing
* Iskandariya bombing
* Baghdad bombing (Apr)
* Samawa bombing
* Gaziantep bombing (May)
* Baghdad bombings (11 May)
* Real Madrid fan club massacres
* Baghdad gas plant
* Yemen police bombings (15 May)
* Baghdad bombings (17 May)
* Jableh & Tartous bombings (May)
* Yemen bombings (23 May)
* Aktobe shootings
* Pulse nightclub shooting
* Magnanville stabbing
* Mukalla (Jun)
* Movida Bar
* Atatürk Airport
* Dhaka (Jul)
* Karrada bombing
* Muhammad ibn Ali al-Hadi Mausoleum
* Nice truck
* Würzburg train
* Kabul bombing (Jul)
* Ansbach bombing
* Normandy church
* Qamishli bombings (Jul)
* Charleroi stabbing
* Shchelkovo Highway police station
* Aden bombing (Aug)
* Syria bombings (5 Sep)
* Baghdad bombings (9 Sep)
* Baghdad bombings (Oct)
* Quetta police college
* Hamam al-Alil massacre
* Khuzdar bombing
* Samarinda bombing
* Hillah bombing (Nov)
* Aden bombings (Dec)
* Botroseya bombing
* Al-Karak
* Berlin truck
* Murders of Sefter Taş and Fethi Şahin
* Baghdad bombings (Dec)

2017|

* Istanbul nightclub shooting
* Baghdad bombings (2 Jan)
* Azaz bombing (Jan)
* Sehwan bombing
* Kabul (Mar)
* Westminster
* St Petersburg Metro bombing
* Egypt church bombings
* Mastung bombing
* Manchester Arena bombing
* Jakarta bombings
* Minya
* Al-Faqma bombing
* London Bridge
* Brighton siege
* Tehran
* Pakistan attacks (Jun)
* Hurghada
* Quetta bombing (Aug)
* Barcelona
* Brussels (Aug)
* Nasiriyah
* Afghanistan (20 Oct)
* New York City truck
* Sinai mosque
* Kabul bombing (28 Dec)
* Saint Menas church

2018|

* Baghdad bombings
* Save The Children Jalalabad
* Kizlyar church shooting
* Kabul bombing (Mar)
* Carcasonne & Trèbes
* Kabul bombing (22 Apr)
* Kabul bombings (30 Apr)
* Tripoli
* Mako Brimob standoff
* Paris knife
* Surabaya bombings
* Liège
* Jalalabad bombing (Jul)
* Mastung & Bannu bombings
* Quetta bombing
* As-Suwayda
* Tajikistan attack
* Kabul (Sep)
* Ahvaz military parade
* Minya bus
* Melbourne stabbing
* Murders of Louisa Vesterager Jespersen and Maren Ueland

2019|

* Jolo Cathedral bombings
* Sri Lanka Easter bombings
* Sainthamaruthu shootout
* Kabul bombing (17 Aug)

2020|

* Kabul shooting (6 Mar)
* Kabul gurdwara
* Xitaxi
* Afghanistan (May)
* Jalalabad prison
* Jolo bombings
* Kabul University
* Vienna
* Afghanistan (Dec)

2021|

* Machh
* January Baghdad bombings
* Kabul school bombing
* Kabul airport
* Kunduz bombing
* Kandahar bombing
* Kampala bombings
* Kabul hospital

2022|

* Diyala massacre
* Peshawar mosque
* Hadera shooting
* Mazar-i-Sharif mosque bombing
* Mazar-i-Sharif minivan bombings
* Bourasso and Namissiguima
* Kuje prison break
* 5 August Kabul bombing
* August Kabul mosque bombing
* Bombing of the Russian embassy in Kabul
* Shah Cheragh
* Kabul hotel

2023|

* Kabul airport bombing
* Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan bombing
* Al-Sukhnah
* Hama
* Khar bombing
* Arras school stabbing
* Pul-i-Khumri bombing
* Brussels shooting
* Kabul bombing (Nov)
* Paris
* Mindanao State University bombing

2024|

* Kerman bombings
* Istanbul church shooting
* Balochistan bombings
* Sibi bombing
* Mucojo attack
* Karabulak clash
* Kandahar New Kabul Bank bombing
* Tillabéri attack
* Crocus City Hall attack
* 2024 Guzara Attack
* 2024 Bamyan shooting
* 2024 Beirut US embassy shooting
* Rostov-on-Don pre-trial detention center hostage crisis
* 2024 Dagestan attacks
* 2024 attack on the Israeli embassy in Belgrade
* 2024 Muscat mosque shooting
* 2024 Kabul bus bombing
* Surovikino penal colony hostage crisis
* 2024 Solingen stabbing
* 2024 Qala Bakhtiar bombing
* 2024 Afghanistan bus shooting

2025|

* 2025 New Orleans truck attack
* 2025 Villach stabbing attack
* Kasanga massacre
* 2025 Darul Uloom Haqqania bombing

Politics and organization|

* Finances
* Education
* Ideology
* Medicare
* Military
* Armoured warfare
* Human rights
* Genocide of Christians
* Persecution of Shias
* Genocide of Yazidis
* Genocide of Turkmen
* Persecution of gay and bisexual men
* Killing of captives
* Beheading incidents
* Destruction of cultural heritage
* Occupation of Mosul
* Executions in Mosul

Relations|

* Iran and the Islamic State
* Philippines and the Islamic State
* United Kingdom and the Islamic State
* Trinidad and Tobago and the Islamic State
* Foreign fighters
* Name changes due to the Islamic State
* Portrayal of the Islamic State in American media
* Connection with Saddam Regime and Baath Party

Society|

* Members
* Terrorist cell in Brussels
* Territorial claims
* al-Barakah district
* Collaboration

Media|

* A Second Message to America
* Al-Bayan
* Al-Fatihin
* Al-Furat Media Center
* Al-Hayat Media Center
* Al-I'tisam Media Foundation
* Al-Naba
* Al-Raud
* Amaq News Agency
* Dar al-Islam
* Dabiq
* Dawlat al-Islam Qamat
* Flames of War: The Fighting Has Just Begun
* Huroof
* I'lam foundation
* Istok
* Konstantiniyye
* Rumiyah
* Salil al-Sawarim
* The End of Sykes-Picot
* Turkey and the Fire of Racism
* Voice of Khorasan

Related topics|

* Defeating ISIS
* The Islamic State (documentary)
* ISIS-chan
* Islamism
* Millenarianism
* Sexual violence in the Iraqi insurgency
* Shia–Sunni relations
* Slavery in 21st-century jihadism
* Theocracy

* v
* t
* e

Post–Cold War conflicts in Africa

North Africa|

| Egypt|

* Egyptian Crisis (2011–2014)
* 2011 revolution
* Sinai insurgency (2011–present)
* Post-coup unrest (2013–2014)
* Terrorism in Egypt (2013–present)

|

Libya|

* 2008 Kufra conflict
* Libyan crisis
* 2011 civil war
* 2011–2014 factional violence
* 2014–2020 civil war

Western Sahara|

* Western Sahara conflict (1970–present)
* War, 1975–1991
* Clashes, 2020–present

Others|

* Algerian Civil War (1991–2002)
* Insurgency in the Maghreb (2002–present)
* Tunisian revolution (2010–2011)

West Africa|

| Nigeria|

* Communal conflicts in Nigeria (1998–present)
* Herder–farmer conflicts
* Religious violence
* Boko Haram insurgency (2009–present)
* Niger Delta conflict (2003–present)
* 2016 conflict
* Insurgency in Southeastern Nigeria (2021–present)

|

Mali|

* Tuareg rebellions
* 1990–1995
* 2007–2009
* 2012
* Mali War (2012–present)

Sierra Leone|

* Ndogboyosoi War
* Sierra Leone Civil War

Liberia|

* Liberian Civil Wars
* 1989–1996
* 1999–2003

Côte d'Ivoire|

* Ivorian Civil Wars
* 2002–2007
* 2010–2011

Others|

* Guinea-Bissau Civil War (1998–1999)
* Guinea clashes (2013)
* Casamance conflict (1982–present)
* 2016–2017 Gambian constitutional crisis
* ECOWAS military intervention
* Western Togoland Rebellion (2020–present)

Central Africa|

| Angola|

* Angolan Civil War (1975–2002)
* Cabinda War (1975–present)

|

DR Congo|

* First Congo War (1996–1997)
* Allied Democratic Forces insurgency (1996–present)
* Second Congo War (1998–2003)
* Ituri conflict (1999–2007)
* Kivu conflict (2004–present)
* Dongo conflict (2009)
* Ituri conflict (2009–present)
* March 23 Movement conflict
* 2012–2013 rebellion
* 2022–present campaign
* Batwa–Luba clashes (2013–2018)
* Kamwina Nsapu rebellion (2016–2019)
* Western DR Congo clashes (2022–present)

Republic
of the Congo|

* Civil wars
* 1993–1994
* 1997–1999
* Pool Department conflict (2002–2003)
* Pool War (2016–2017)

Central African
Republic|

* Bush War (2004–2007)
* Civil War (2012–present)
* Djotodia period, 2013–2014

Chad|

* Civil War (2005–2010)
* Insurgency in Northern Chad (2016–present)
* 2021 offensive

Others|

* Anglophone Crisis (Cameroon)
* Lord's Resistance Army insurgency (1987–present)
* Boko Haram insurgency (2009–present)

East Africa|

| Ethiopia|

* Oromo conflict
* OLA insurgency, 2018–present
* Insurgency in Ogaden (1994–2018)
* Second Afar insurgency (1995–2018)
* Eritrean–Ethiopian border conflict (2000–2018)
* War, 1998–2000
* Ethiopian civil conflict (2018–present)
* Afar–Somali clashes
* Benishangul-Gumuz conflict
* Oromia–Somali clashes
* Tigray war
* War in Amhara

|

Somalia|

* Puntland–Somaliland dispute (1998–present)
* Somali Civil War
* 2006–2009 Ethiopian intervention
* 2009–present phase
* AMISOM
* Piracy off the coast of Somalia

Kenya|

* Ethnic conflicts
* Somali–Kenyan conflict (1963–present)
* Likoni massacres (1997)
* Kenyan crisis (2007–2008)
* 2012–2013 Tana River District clashes (2012–2013)
* Baragoi clashes (2012)

South Sudan|

* Heglig Crisis (2012)
* Nomadic conflicts
* Ethnic violence
* Civil War (2013–2020)
* Abyei conflict (2022–2023)

Sudan|

* Second Sudanese Civil War (1983–2005)
* War in Darfur (2003–2020)
* Nomadic conflicts (2009–present)
* South Kordofan and Blue Nile conflict (2011–2020)
* Heglig Crisis (2012)
* Blue Nile clashes (2022–2023)
* Sudanese civil war (2023–present)

Uganda|

* Lord's Resistance Army insurgency (1987–present)
* Allied Democratic Forces insurgency (1996–present)
* Kasese clashes (2016)

Others|

* Rwandan Civil War / genocide (1990–1994)
* Djiboutian Civil War (1991–1994)
* Hanish Islands conflict
* 2008 invasion of Anjouan
* Djiboutian–Eritrean border conflict
* Burundian conflicts
* 1993–2005 Civil War
* 2015–2018 unrest

Southern Africa|

| Mozambique|

* Mozambican Civil War (1977–1992)
* RENAMO insurgency (2013–2021)
* Insurgency in Cabo Delgado (2017–present)

|

Others|

* Bophuthatswana crisis (1994)
* Caprivi conflict (1994–1999)
* Lesothan conflicts
* SADC intervention in Lesotho (1998–1999)
* 2014 Lesotho political crisis

Related topics|

* War on terror
* Arab Spring
* Arab Winter
* Colour revolutions

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