What is it

The group refers to itself as the Islamic state because it proclaimed a caliphate worldwide  in June 2014 and appointed Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as caliph. As a  caliphate, it argues the religious authority, political and military on all Muslims worldwide. The adoption by the group of the name "Islamic state" and the idea of ​​a caliphate have been widely criticized, with the UN, various Governments and the traditional Muslim groups rejecting his State or caliphhood. In December 2015, the group on the vast land-locked control in Iraq and Syria, with an estimated population of between 2.8 million and 8 million people and where he imposed his interpretation of Sharia law. Affiliates ISIL control small areas of Libya, Nigeria and Afghanistan and operate in other parts of the world, including North Africa and South Asia. ISIL gained prominence when, in early 2014, led Iraqi government forces key cities in his western offensive of Iraq, followed by the capture of Mosul and the massacre of Sinjar, almost causing a collapse of the Iraqi government and generate a renewed US military action in Iraq. In Syria, the group has conducted ground attacks against government forces and rebel factions. The number of combatants controls group in Iraq and Syria, was estimated by the CIA to 31,000, with foreign fighters represent approximately two thirds, while ISIL leaders claim 40,000 combatants, the majority being Iraqi and Syrian nationals