Jihadist Movements – International Freedom Coalition
International Freedom Coalition

Jihadist Movements

Explore profiles of key jihadist movements, terrorist organizations, and enabling state actors. Each card provides an overview of their ideologies, activities, and documented impacts on affected communities. Click to read more in-depth analysis.

9 Organizations
5 State Enablers
14 Total Profiles

Jihadist & Islamist Movements

Muslim Brotherhood

Islamist

Founded 1928  ·  Global Networks

The progenitor of modern political Islam, founded in Egypt in 1928. Pursues Sharia-based governance through institutional infiltration and lobbying networks spanning Europe, North Africa, and North America.

North Africa Europe Levant Political Islam
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Islamic State (ISIS)

Jihadist

Emerged 2014  ·  Iraq / Syria / Global

Established a self-declared caliphate across Iraq and Syria in 2014, committing genocide against Yazidis and Christians and orchestrating attacks across three continents. Territorial defeat in 2019 did not end the group — active affiliates continue operating across West Africa, the Sahel, and Southeast Asia.

West Africa Sahel Levant Yazidis Copts
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Hamas

Jihadist

Founded 1987  ·  Gaza / Levant

Muslim Brotherhood offshoot governing the Gaza Strip since 2007, designated a terrorist organization by the US, EU, and UK. Responsible for the October 7, 2023 massacre — the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust.

Levant Desk Israeli Jews Gaza Muslim Brotherhood
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Hezbollah

Jihadist

Founded 1982  ·  Lebanon / Regional

Iran's primary regional proxy, founded in Lebanon in 1982. Maintains a larger arsenal than most national armies and has carried out attacks in Argentina, Bulgaria, and across the Middle East.

Levant Desk Druze Lebanon Iran Proxy
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Al-Qaeda

Jihadist

Founded 1988  ·  Global Network

Orchestrated the September 11, 2001 attacks and dozens of mass-casualty bombings worldwide. Operates through regional affiliates — AQIM, AQAP, and Al-Shabaab — and continues to inspire lone-wolf attacks globally.

North Africa Horn of Africa Sahel Arabia
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Taliban

Jihadist

Emerged 1994  ·  Afghanistan / Pakistan

Retook Afghanistan in 2021 and now enforce one of the world's most repressive regimes — banning women from education, executing dissidents, and harbouring Al-Qaeda. Afghanistan once again serves as a global jihadist sanctuary.

Afghanistan Pakistan Women Hazaras Sikhs
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Boko Haram

Jihadist

Founded 2002  ·  West Africa

Operating across Nigeria and the Lake Chad basin, responsible for tens of thousands of deaths and the 2014 abduction of 276 schoolgirls from Chibok. Its ISIS-aligned splinter faction ISWAP now poses an equal or greater threat.

West Africa Desk Nigerians Biafrans ISIS Affiliate
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Al-Shabaab

Jihadist

Emerged 2006  ·  Horn of Africa

Al-Qaeda affiliate controlling large parts of rural Somalia. Responsible for the Westgate Mall attack (Kenya, 2013) and Garissa University massacre (2015). Imposes strict Sharia and funds operations through civilian taxation and extortion.

Horn of Africa Desk Somaliland Kenya Al-Qaeda Affiliate
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Houthis (Ansar Allah)

Jihadist

Emerged 1990s  ·  Yemen / Red Sea

Iran-backed militia controlling northern Yemen, launching missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Red Sea shipping. Their official slogan calls for death to America and Israel.

Arabian Peninsula Desk Yemenis Iran Proxy Red Sea
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Enabling & Sponsoring States

Iran

State Sponsor

Islamic Republic  ·  Since 1979

The world's foremost state sponsor of terrorism — funding and directing Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and Shia militias across Iraq and Syria. Pursues a nuclear programme in violation of international agreements.

Northern Middle East Levant Iranians Kurds Arabia
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Qatar

State Enabler

Gulf State  ·  Doha Networks

Finances Islamist movements globally through its sovereign wealth fund and Al Jazeera media network. Hosts senior Hamas leadership in Doha and funds Muslim Brotherhood-linked institutions across Europe and North America.

North Africa Europe Muslim Brotherhood Hamas
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Turkey

State Enabler

Under Erdoğan  ·  NATO Member

Under Erdoğan, Turkey backs Muslim Brotherhood-aligned governments, facilitates jihadist transit into Syria and Iraq, and hosts Hamas military leadership — while conducting military operations against Kurdish populations.

Northern Middle East Kurds Libya Muslim Brotherhood
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Pakistan

State Enabler

ISI Networks  ·  South Asia

Pakistan's ISI has a documented history of sheltering jihadist groups as foreign policy instruments — harbouring Osama bin Laden, the Taliban, and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Its nuclear arsenal compounds the long-term security threat.

Afghanistan/Pakistan Desk Hazaras Ahmadis Taliban
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Syria

State Actor

Post-Assad Transition  ·  Levant

Assad's collapse in December 2024 ended Ba'athist rule, but the post-Assad authority is led by HTS — itself a designated terrorist organization. The fate of Alawite, Druze, Christian, and Kurdish minorities remains deeply uncertain.

Levant Desk Alawites Druze Kurds Christians
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