Al-Ansar (Iraq)

Al-Ansar (Arabic: الأنصار, meaning "the Supporters" or "Helpers") was an Iraqi Sunni militant group that emerged in the aftermath of the 2003 invasion of Iraq. It was largely composed of Iraqi volunteers and foreign fighters, often associated with Salafi-jihadist ideology. The group's primary objective was to fight against the U.S.-led coalition forces and the post-invasion Iraqi government.

Al-Ansar was associated with various acts of violence and insurgency, including bombings, ambushes, and kidnappings. They were known for targeting Iraqi security forces, government officials, and civilian populations. Their operations were primarily concentrated in areas with a significant Sunni population.

The group's exact organizational structure and leadership have been subject to speculation. It's believed that Al-Ansar had links to other militant groups operating in Iraq, including al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI), which later became the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI). Some reports suggest that Al-Ansar eventually merged or swore allegiance to these larger and more prominent groups.

Following the peak of the insurgency in Iraq during the mid-to-late 2000s, the influence and operational capabilities of Al-Ansar gradually diminished as a result of counter-insurgency operations conducted by U.S. and Iraqi forces, as well as internal conflicts and fragmentation within the Iraqi militant landscape. While the name may occasionally resurface in reports, Al-Ansar as a distinct and independent entity is considered to have largely ceased to exist, with its members either integrated into other groups or neutralized.