2003: Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, a Sunni, believed to be born in 1971, joined the insurgency that erupted in Iraq soon after the US-led invasion.
2005: He was captured by the US and spent four years in Bucca Camp prison in Iraq. Here he met with key al-Qaeda fighters.
2006: “‘Islamic State of Iraq” (ISI) was set up as successor group of al-Qaeda in Iraq.
2009: ISI claims responsibility for suicide bombings in Baghdad that killed 127 persons as well as two other attacks. Baghdadi was released by US to Iraqi authorities.
2010: Baghdadi started to lead ISI.
2011: The US completes its troops pull-out from Iraq.
March 2013: ISI took over Syrian Raqqa.
April 2013: ISI adopted the name “Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant”, also known as “Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham
June 2013: Baghdadi cast off al-Qaeda’s leadership.
Jan 2014: ISIL infiltrates Iraqi cities of Fallujah and Ramadi. Iraqi forces recapture Ramadi.
June 2014: ISIL takes control of Tikrit and Mosul in Iraq.
