ISIS Attacks and Counter-ISIS Operations from 2017 to 2022: A Timeline

Since the Islamic State’s self-declared caliphate was defeated in 2019, a multitude of parties have taken over the lands that once made up its domain. ISIS is taking advantage of divisions among these actors to strengthen its forces and increase its numbers. In central Syria, it trains most of its new recruits; in the north east, it gathers funds and stores supplies; and in the north west, it maintains hideouts for mid-level and senior commanders. To prevent the group from resurging, the forces trying to counter ISIS need to focus on preventing the militants’ movement between Syria’s regions and avoid conflict among themselves.

This timeline illustrates key ISIS operations, culminating in the ​​Hasakeh prison breakout in January 2022, as well as some of the major counter-operations, including the targeted killing of ISIS leader Abdullah Qardash by the U.S.

You can find all of Crisis Group’s work on Syria here, including our latest report “Containing a Resilient ISIS in Central and North-eastern Syria”.