Map of the Islamic State (2015)

This map, created by the Institute for the Study of War In 2015, it shows the Islamic State, also known as ISIS or Daesh, at its maximum extent.

ISIS is a group designated as a terrorist organisation by multiple international entities. It was created as one of many local responses to the US invasion of Iraq in 2003. In 2004, it established itself as an organisation and gained followers and territory, until in 2014 it proclaimed itself the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

This map shows the moment when it reached its maximum extent, in early 2015. It can be seen that control over the territory was not total, but could be divided into different types of control:

• In black, the regions where ISIS had complete control.
• In brown, the area not under direct ISIS control, but without opposition, allowing for logistical and administrative support activities.
• In red, the regions where ISIS is conducting offensives to gain territory.

In 2015, Islamic State came to control major cities in Syria and Iraq, such as Fallujah, Mosul and Al-Raqqa.

In 2016 and 2017, multiple international offensives were carried out in support of Syria and Iraq, allowing them to recover territory occupied by ISIS, which was practically dismantled in 2019.

Sources

• ISIS Sanctuary Map: 8 July 2015