A Jordanian-born militant who founded the Iraqi insurgency group Al-Qaeda in Iraq, notorious for brutal beheadings and suicide bombings that fueled sectarian violence in Iraq.
Abu Musab alZarqawi, a notorious Jordanian jihadist, earned his reputation as the mastermind behind a series of brutal bombings, beheadings, and attacks during the Iraq War. His actions sparked a Shia-Sunni civil war, cementing his infamy as the leader of a terrorist organization that wreaked havoc in the Middle East.
Born Ahmad Fadeel alNazal alKhalayleh on October 30, 1966, in Zarqa, Jordan, alZarqawi's early life was marked by petty crime and radicalization. He found solace in the teachings of Islam and eventually made his way to Afghanistan, where he trained in a terrorist camp and honed his skills as a militant.
In 1999, alZarqawi formed Jamaat alTawhid walJihad (JTJ), a terrorist organization that aimed to overthrow the Jordanian monarchy and establish an Islamic state. The group's ideology was rooted in Salafist jihadism, which emphasized the need for violence to achieve its objectives.
In late 2004, alZarqawi pledged his allegiance to Osama bin Laden, and JTJ merged with Al-Qaeda to form Tanzim Qaidat alJihad fi Bilad alRafidayn, also known as Al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI). This union bolstered alZarqawi's reputation as a formidable terrorist leader, earning him the title Emir of Al-Qaeda in the Country of Two Rivers.
AlZarqawi orchestrated a series of devastating attacks in Iraq, including suicide bombings, hostage executions, and sectarian violence. His campaign of terror targeted not only American soldiers but also Iraqi civilians, Shia militias, and Western military forces. The 2005 bombing of three hotels in Amman, Jordan, is also attributed to his organization.
In September 2005, alZarqawi declared all-out war on Shiites in Iraq, exacerbating the country's sectarian tensions. This move marked a turning point in the Iraq War, as AQI began to focus on Shia targets, sparking a wave of retaliatory attacks from Shia militias.
On June 7, 2006, a joint U.S. force launched a targeted killing operation, eliminating alZarqawi in a small village west of Baghdad. His death marked a significant blow to AQI, although the organization continued to operate in Iraq and Syria.
AlZarqawi's brutal tactics and sectarian agenda sparked widespread condemnation from governments and human rights organizations worldwide. His actions were seen as a catalyst for the Iraq War's descent into chaos, and his legacy is marked by the devastating impact he had on the region's stability and security.
"We will not rest until we have blown up the White House, the seat of evil." – Abu Musab alZarqawi
"The attacks on America and Britain will not stop until they withdraw their troops from Iraq and Afghanistan." – Abu Musab alZarqawi
Abu Musab alZarqawi's actions contributed significantly to the destabilization of the Middle East, paving the way for the rise of the Islamic State (ISIS) and other extremist groups. His legacy serves as a grim reminder of the devastating consequences of terrorist ideologies and the importance of addressing the root causes of radicalization.
67 Years Old
Founder of the notorious terrorist organization responsible for the 9/11 attacks and other devastating acts of global terrorism. Known for spreading extremist ideologies and inciting violence worldwide.
73 Years Old
A key figure in the global jihadist movement, known for masterminding terrorist attacks, including 9/11, and serving as Osama bin Laden's deputy and successor.
53 Years Old
Leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, notorious for orchestrating brutal terrorist attacks and establishing a self-proclaimed caliphate. Known for spreading fear and instability across the Middle East.
82 Years Old
A former Iraqi vice president and kingpin of the insurgency against US forces, known for leading the Naqshbandi Army and being a key figure in the Sunni insurgency following the US invasion of Iraq.
