The Islamic State of Iraq (ISI) was a militant group that emerged in the early 2000s, primarily during the Iraq War. It was formed as an offshoot of al-Qaeda in Iraq and aimed to establish an Islamic state governed by strict Sharia law. The group gained notoriety for its violent tactics and attacks against both military and civilian targets. In 2006, ISI declared itself a caliphate and sought to expand its influence across Iraq. The group faced significant opposition from U.S. and Iraqi forces, leading to its decline. However, it later evolved into the broader Islamic State organization, which gained global attention in the 2010s.