This map captures a visualised timeline of The Islamic State's movement through Iraq. It notes cities and towns captured by the group, formerly known as ISIL, as well as major clashes with security forces and other incidents. It is updated regularly as the scenario unfolds.


Some report that the scenario in Iraq is showing signs of turning into a broader sectarian conflict. This map compares the relative proportion of Iraq's three main ethnic groups: Sunni Arabs in the West, Shia Arabs in the South East and a Kurdish autonomous state in the North. The shaded sections show areas with a proportional majority of the given group, although some areas still have marginal populations of non-dominant groups.




Source:'Iraq: Ethnic Composition, Dr. Michael Izady, Columbia Universities Gulf 2000 Project’

The Islamic State has been operating extensively in Syria since January 2014. The rebel group has significant strongholds in Northern Syria including parts of Raqqah, Aleppo, Idlib, Hamah and Al Hasakah. The Islamic State, formerly known as ISIL, has been attacking other actors in the Syrian theatre including rival front Al-Nusra, Syrian Armed Forces and Syrian Opposition.


The Islamic State's high level of coordination involves targeting resources in the country, capturing military hardware, cash and freeing prisoners. The territory they have taken holds several of Iraq's oil refineries and fields. Notably the capture of the Baiji Refinery, the largest in Iraq.




Source: 2010 OGC Refining Survey