TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Islamic State (IS), previously known as ISIS, has grown into a major force within months. With only 11,000 militia upon first formed, IS now boasts 100,000 troops.
ISIS was first formed back in 2003, in the fallout of Saddam Hussein regime. Led by Abu Musab al Zarqawi, ISIS began launching bomb attacks against Iraq and US government. In light of Zarqawi’s death, Abu Omar al-Baghdadi stepped in and began "nationalizing" the movement.
Abu Omar al-Baghdadi was killed in 2010, replaced by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The latter is proven to give a greater persona, attracting younger jihadists and applying decent warfare analysis and tactic.
In June 2014, Graphic News noted that there were 11,000 jihadists in ISIS, 3,000 of which are foreign jihadists. More jihadists started coming in as ISIS declared its caliphate in July 29. In less than a month, RT.com reported in August 27 that the group boasts 100,000 men, with around 20,000-50,000 foreign jihadists in it.
ANINGTIAS JATMIKA | GRAPHIC NEWS | AL JAZEERA | RT.COM
