al-Qaeda in Iraq was a militant group that emerged in the early 2000s during the Iraq War. It was formed as a branch of al-Qaeda, led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. The group aimed to establish an Islamic state in Iraq and was known for its violent tactics, including bombings and assassinations. The organization gained notoriety for its brutal attacks against both military and civilian targets. After Zarqawi's death in 2006, the group evolved into the Islamic State of Iraq, which later became part of the larger Islamic State movement. Its activities significantly impacted the security situation in Iraq and the region.