March 2013

In a popular uprising against the Assad regime in Syria, the city of Raqqa is captured by revolutionary forces, mainly from the Free Syrian Army (FSA).

April 2013

In an audio message, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi announces the formation of a new extremist military organization (Daesh) that will fight in Iraq and Syria.

May 2013

Daesh fighters spread slowly across Raqqa Province and other areas, occupying towns and villages, and executing people publicly.

January 2014

Daesh occupies Raqqa after fierce battles with FSA. Daesh commits widespread atrocities in the city.

January-June 2014

Daesh arrests, kidnaps and assassinates many activists and FSA members involved in taking the city from the Assad regime in 2013.

June 2014

Daesh controls areas of west and northwest Iraq including Mosul. They commit genocide against Yezidis and massacre hundreds of unarmed Iraqi soldiers.

July 2014

Al-Baghdadi declares himself supreme leader of the territory Daesh controls and urges Muslims across the world to follow him and join Daesh.

July 2014 onward

Daesh carries out numerous public executions of civilians, displaying mutilated corpses in public squares and parks to intimidate residents of towns and cities it controls.

August 2014

The United States begins airstrikes against Daesh in Iraq. Iraqi and Kurdish troops, supported by the US airstrikes, rescue thousands of Yezidis from Sinjar Mountain, northern Iraq.

September 2014

The Global Coalition against Daesh is formed to tackle the growing threat posed by the terror group. The Global Coalition currently includes 73 members, including 69 states and four international organisations, committed to degrade and defeat Daesh.

January 2015

Daesh suffers its first major humiliation in Syria, with defeat at Kobani (Ain Al Arab) in Syria. The Global Coalition conducts airstrikes against Daesh targets in the city and its countryside.

June 2015

Daesh suffers further military losses and gives up Tal Abyad in Syria.

October 2015

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a coalition of Syrian Kurdish and Arab forces, is established to fight Daesh in Syria. The Global Coalition provides training, equipment and advice to the SDF and conducts airstrikes to help defeat Daesh.

August 2016

The SDF liberates Manbij, northern Aleppo, from Daesh. The Global Coalition against Daesh provides support to the SDF in its efforts to liberate the city.

August 2016

The FSA and Turkish Army launch Operation Euphrates Shield, liberating vast areas of northern Aleppo from Daesh.

October 2016 Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) enter Mosul, the largest city controlled by Daesh, and begin the fight for liberation. The Global Coalition plays a significant role in providing training, equipment, advice, assistance, intelligence, and air and ground fire support.

November 2016

The SDF and partners including the Syrian Arab Coalition (SAC), launch Operation Wrath of Euphrates to defeat Daesh in Raqqa. The Global Coalition provides training to SDF and conducts airstrikes against Daesh targets throughout the operation.

June 2017

The SDF, with support from the Global Coalition, enters the eastern parts of Raqqa city.

July 2017

The SDF, with support from the Global Coalition, enters the Old City in Raqqa.

July 10, 2017

Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), with support from the Global Coalition, decisively defeat Daesh in Mosul.

October 17, 2017

The SDF, with support from the Global Coalition, defeats Daesh in Raqqa and liberates the city.

September 2014 — ongoing

The Global Coalition facilitates humanitarian efforts to assist civilians adversely affected by Daesh’s brutal occupation in Iraq and Syria and the subsequent battle to gain their freedom. The Global Coalition and its partners remain united and committed to the lasting defeat of Daesh.