Who: Al-Qa‘ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM)
Founded: Mid‑2000s, evolved from Algeria’s GSPC
Region they operate: Algeria, the Sahel, and parts of North and West Africa
Allies and enemies: Works with Sahel jihadists; fights regional governments and French/Western forces
Who: ISIS‑Libya (ISIS‑L)
Founded: Mid‑2010s amid Libya’s civil war
Region they operate: Coastal Libyan cities and desert interior pockets
Allies and enemies: ISIS affiliate; clashes with Libya’s rival governments, militias, and foreign backers
Who: ISIS‑Sahel
Founded: Late 2010s from splinter factions in Mali–Niger region
Region they operate: Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso border areas
Allies and enemies: ISIS‑aligned; fights JNIM, Sahel states, and foreign military missions
