The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) have emerged as the most terrifying and vicious groups of the extreme jihadists, collaboratively known as IS. The IS is not just a terrorist group; it is a revolutionary movement, one that seeks  to overthrow governments to create a new regime.  The power of such radical groups should not be underestimated. It is estimated that there are thousands of fighters that identify as part of this group. Little is known about this group and its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. This group emerged in 2010, but it wasn’t until 2013 that they made a serious conquest, which was taking over the Syrian city of Raqqa.

Terrorist activity is a growing global problem, especially in Iraq and Syria. IS groups capitalize and thrive on this growing tension in the Middle East. They have a reputation for being ruthless and brutal in their rule. This group slowly has grown over the past few years, taking over numerous cities. However, it wasn’t until ISIS’ capture of Mosul, the second largest city in Iraq, this June that they became globally known. This conquest made ISIS the most cash-rich militant group in the world.

Recently, IS has been plastered on television screens and the front page of newspapers following the recent beheadings they have committed. ISIS has released videos of three beheadings, two being American journalists and the third a British aid worker. It was known that IS had foreign followers in numerous countries; the man executing the beheadings is a masked British man with a London accent. British Prime Minister David Cameron believes to know the identity of the executioner.

For three years, American President Barack Obama has avoided the civil war ravaging Syria; however, on Wednesday night, President Obama revealed his plans on how to combat this extremist group. Increase action has already taken place, including 150 air strikes and 1,200 members of special forces from the US Military. Recently the United States has been striking oil refineries owned by ISIS, attempting to cut off their financial supply. However, IS still has millions of dollars saved from previous raids of central banks in Iraq. Obama has begun a new campaign against the IS groups, in hopes that it does not become another Iraq war. However, the Pentagon spokesman, Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby, told CNN, “I think we are in this for a matter of years.”