The rise of the Islamic State (ISIS) in 2014 marked one of the most brutal chapters in modern warfare. At its peak, the group controlled vast territories across Iraq and Syria, declared a caliphate, and carried out horrific acts of violence. However, through relentless military campaigns, international cooperation, and internal weaknesses, ISIS suffered devastating losses. Here are 10 key turning points that led to the group’s decline.
Table of Contents
- The Battle of Kobani (2014–2015)
- The Liberation of Tikrit (2015)
- The Fall of Ramadi (2015–2016)
- The Siege of Mosul (2016–2017)
- The Raqqa Offensive (2017)
- The Death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi (2019)
- The Defeat in Baghouz (2019)
- The Killing of Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurashi (2022)
- The Loss of Territorial Control
- Continued Counterterrorism Operations
1. The Battle of Kobani (2014–2015)
The Kurdish-majority town of Kobani in northern Syria became a symbol of resistance against ISIS. Despite initial gains, ISIS faced fierce opposition from Kurdish forces (YPG) backed by U.S. airstrikes. After months of brutal fighting, Kurdish fighters reclaimed the city in January 2015. This battle marked the first major defeat for ISIS and proved that the group could be pushed back with coordinated efforts.
Why It Mattered:
- Demonstrated the effectiveness of U.S.-led airstrikes.
- Boosted morale for anti-ISIS forces.
- Showed ISIS was not invincible.
2. The Liberation of Tikrit (2015)
Tikrit, Saddam Hussein’s hometown, was a strategic ISIS stronghold in Iraq. In March 2015, Iraqi forces, supported by U.S. airstrikes and Iranian-backed militias, launched a major offensive. After weeks of intense fighting, ISIS was expelled from the city in April 2015.
Why It Mattered:
- Weakened ISIS’s grip on central Iraq.
- Set the stage for future offensives, including Mosul.
- Highlighted the role of Shiite militias in the fight.
3. The Fall of Ramadi (2015–2016)
Ramadi, the capital of Iraq’s Anbar province, fell to ISIS in May 2015. However, by December 2015, Iraqi forces launched a counteroffensive. With U.S. support, they retook the city in February 2016, dealing another blow to ISIS’s territorial control.
Why It Mattered:
- Proved Iraqi forces could reclaim key cities.
- Further degraded ISIS’s supply lines.
- Strengthened U.S.-Iraqi military cooperation.
4. The Siege of Mosul (2016–2017)
Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city, was ISIS’s most significant stronghold. In October 2016, a coalition of Iraqi forces, Kurdish Peshmerga, and U.S. airpower launched a massive offensive. After nine months of brutal urban warfare, Mosul was liberated in July 2017.
Why It Mattered:
- Marked the collapse of ISIS’s Iraqi “caliphate.”
- Resulted in thousands of ISIS fighters killed or captured.
- Exposed the group’s reliance on brutal tactics, including human shields.
5. The Raqqa Offensive (2017)
Raqqa, the de facto capital of ISIS in Syria, was liberated in October 2017 after a months-long siege by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and U.S. airstrikes. The battle was fierce, with ISIS using tunnels and suicide bombers, but the city eventually fell.
Why It Mattered:
- Stripped ISIS of its symbolic capital.
- Disrupted the group’s command structure.
- Showed the effectiveness of Kurdish-led forces in Syria.
6. The Death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi (2019)
In October 2019, U.S. special forces raided a compound in northwestern Syria, killing ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. His death was a major psychological and operational blow to the group.
Why It Mattered:
- Removed ISIS’s most prominent leader.
- Caused internal leadership struggles.
- Demonstrated U.S. intelligence and military precision.
7. The Defeat in Baghouz (2019)
The Battle of Baghouz in early 2019 was the last major stand for ISIS in Syria. After weeks of fighting, the SDF, backed by coalition airstrikes, overran the town, forcing the surrender of thousands of ISIS fighters and their families.
Why It Mattered:
- Marked the end of ISIS’s territorial control.
- Led to the capture of key ISIS operatives.
- Raised concerns about detained foreign fighters.
8. The Killing of Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurashi (2022)
ISIS’s second leader, Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurashi, was killed in a U.S. raid in February 2022. Like Baghdadi, he died in a standoff with U.S. forces.
Why It Mattered:
- Further destabilized ISIS’s leadership.
- Showed the group remained a high-priority target.
- Reinforced the U.S. strategy of targeted strikes.
9. The Loss of Territorial Control
By 2019, ISIS had lost all its territorial holdings in Iraq and Syria. While the group still operates as an insurgency, its ability to govern and project power was shattered.
Why It Mattered:
- Ended the “caliphate” experiment.
- Reduced ISIS’s recruitment appeal.
- Shifted the group to guerrilla tactics.
10. Continued Counterterrorism Operations
Despite losing territory, ISIS remains a threat through sleeper cells and affiliates in Africa and Asia. However, sustained drone strikes, special operations, and intelligence sharing have kept the group on the defensive.
Why It Matters:
- Prevents ISIS from regrouping.
- Targets emerging leaders.
- Maintains pressure on global jihadist networks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is ISIS completely defeated?
No, ISIS no longer holds territory but operates as an insurgency in Iraq, Syria, and through affiliates in other regions.
Who replaced Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi?
After Baghdadi’s death, Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurashi became leader until his death in 2022. The current leader is Abu Hafs al-Hashimi al-Qurashi.
What is the biggest threat from ISIS today?
Lone-wolf attacks, online radicalization, and regional affiliates in Africa and Asia pose the biggest threats.
How did ISIS lose so quickly?
A combination of U.S.-led airstrikes, local ground forces, and internal weaknesses led to their rapid territorial collapse.
Could ISIS make a comeback?
While unlikely to regain territorial control, ISIS remains dangerous as an insurgent and terrorist network.
Conclusion
The war against ISIS saw dramatic victories, but the fight is not over. The group’s territorial defeat was a major milestone, yet vigilance is needed to prevent its resurgence. From Kobani to Baghouz, these turning points highlight the resilience of those who stood against terror—and the enduring need for global cooperation in defeating extremism.
Leave a Reply