Timeline of the Islamic State (2026)

This article is about IS-related events in 2026. For other time periods, see List of terrorist incidents linked to the Islamic State.

This is a timeline of Islamic State (IS)-related events that occurred in 2026.

Timeline

January

• 1 January – In Syria, an IS suicide bomber targeted New Year's celebrations killing 1 person and wounding 2 others. ^[1]
• 2 January – In the United States, the FBI foiled a New Year’s Eve attack plot targeting a grocery store and fast-food restaurant in North Carolina, authorities say they arrested an IS member. ^[2]
• 3 January – In Syria, the United Kingdom and France launched airstrikes on an underground arms cache formerly used by the IS. ^[3]
• 4 January – Eight Nigerian soldiers were killed by an ISWAP IED detonation targeting their vehicle near Damasak, Borno State. ^[4]
• 5 January – In Nigeria, nine Nigerian soldiers were killed and several others were injured when they hit a landmine and came under fire by IS – West Africa Province (ISWAP) near Bindundul, Borno State. ^[5]
• 8 January:
  • United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM) forces, in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, conducted an airstrike against IS militants in the vicinity of the Golis Mountains, approximately 31 km southeast of Bossaso, Somalia. ^[6]
  • In Nigeria, 15 Christians are killed by the IS – West Africa Province in various raids in North Eastern Nigeria. ^[7]
• 9 January – In Somalia, USAFRICOM forces, in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, conducted an airstrike against IS militants in the vicinity of the Golis Mountains, approximately 33 km southeast of Bossaso, Somalia. ^[8]
• 10 January – In Syria, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) forces, alongside partner forces, conducted multiple airstrike against IS. The strikes are part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, which was launched in direct response to the 2025 Palmyra attack. ^[9]
• 11 January – USAFRICOM forces, in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, conducted an airstrike against IS militants in the vicinity of the Golis Mountains, approximately 27 km southeast of Bossaso, Somalia. ^[10]
• 14 January – In Nigeria, the Nigerian Air Force launched airstrikes on the 'Timbuktu Triangle' killing 10 militants. ^[11]
• 16 January – CENTCOM forces conducted a precision airstrike in northwest Syria against a militant leader with direct ties to Al-Qaeda and the IS gunman responsible for the 2025 Palmyra attack. ^[12]
• 19 January:
  • Seven people are killed and twenty others are injured in a bombing at a Chinese restaurant in Shahr-e Naw, Kabul, Afghanistan. The IS – Khorasan Province claims responsibility. ^{[13] [14]}
  • The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) says it has lost control of a prison holding thousands of IS fighters in Al-Hasakah Governorate after the prison came under attack from armed groups. A video released by the SDF appears to show dozens of IS militants escaping the prison. ^{[15] [16] [17]}
• 20 January – In Nigeria, the military arrested three recruiters for ISWAP in Borno State. ^[18]
• 21 January:
  • CENTCOM forces announce a transfer of up to 7,000 IS detainees from Syria to Iraq as part of an effort to reduce the risk of a resurgence amid increased fighting in Syria. ^[19]
  • USAFRICOM forces, in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, conducted an airstrike against IS militants in the vicinity of the Golis Mountains, approximately 66 km southeast of Bossaso, Somalia. ^[20]
• 23 January:
  • USAFRICOM forces, in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, conducted multiple airstrike against IS militants in the vicinity of the Golis Mountains, approximately 40 km southeast of Bossaso, Somalia. ^[21]
  • In the Philippines, an ambush by the IS-linked Maute Group kills 4 people. ^[22]
  • In Mozambique, the IS – Mozambique Province (ISMP) stole a motorboat and kidnapped people. ISMP demanded a ransom of 50,000 meticais ($784) each. ^[23]
  • In the United States, a 17-year-old pleaded guilty for planning a terrorist attack. ^[24]
• 25 January:
  • Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) launched an offensive against the IS in Arbinda, Burkina Faso. IS militants were driven out of the area and four were killed. ^[25]
  • In Mocímboa da Praia, Mozambique, ISMP abducted the son of a local militia member. ^[23]
• 26 January – In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 25 people are killed in an IS-linked attack in Eastern Congo. ^[26]
• 27 January:
  • In Azerbaijan, the State Security Service announced that it foiled an attempt by the IS's Khorasan Province to bomb the Israeli embassy in Baku. ^[27]
  • From 27 January to 2 February, the U.S. conducted five strikes against "multiple" IS targets in Syria, locating and destroying "an IS communication site, critical logistics node, and weapons storage facilities" utilizing "50 precision munitions delivered by fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and unmanned aircraft," according to CENTCOM. ^[28]
• 28 January – In Singapore, a 14-year old supportive of IS has been issued a restriction order. ^[29]
• 29 January:
  • In Brazil, an IS member is arrested for allegedly planning a suicide attack in the country. ^[30]
  • The Diori Hamani International Airport is attacked by the IS. ^{[31] [32]}

February

• February 1 – IS – Sahel Province (ISSP) claimed an attack in Ménaka, Mali. ^[33]
• February 2 – ISWAP appoints Abu Khalifa as its new commander in the 'Timbuktu Triangle'. ^[34]
• February 3 – Donald Trump faslely accused Ilhan Omar of links to IS – Somalia Province. ^[35]
• February 4 – Attacks on two villages by IS-affiliated Lakurawa gunmen in Kwara State, Nigeria, kill at least 162 people. ^{[36] [37]}
• February 5 – Jamal Borhot, convicted of joining the IS is sentenced to 16 years in prison. ^[38]
• February 6:
  • The Iraqi Air Force carries out strikes on IS hideouts near Hatra in northern Nineveh Governorate, Iraq, using F-16 fighter jets, killing four militants. ^[39]
  • An Islamic State suicide bomber detonates explosives at a hideout in Al-Qa'im District, Iraq, during an attempted arrest, killing himself and injuring two security officers. ^[40]
  • The IS – Pakistan Province (ISPP) claimed responsibility for 2026 Islamabad mosque bombing through Telegram, releasing a photo purported to show the assailant holding a gun. ^{[41] [42]} The attack killed at least 31 people and injured more than 169 others. ^[43]
  • IS member, Humzah Mashkoor, pleads guilty to terrorism charges. ^[44]
  • ISSP militants attacked Nigerien customs office in Kouré, Niger. Two officers were reportedly killed. ^[45]
• February 7 – Pakistani security forces arrest four suspects involved in the 2026 Islamabad mosque bombing. ^[46]

See also

• Timeline of the IS

References

1. "Syria Says Islamic State Plotted New Year's Eve Attacks on Churches". www.aina.org. Retrieved 2026-01-01.
2. Campbell, Lucy (2026-01-02). "FBI says it thwarted planned New Year's Eve terrorist attack in North Carolina". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 2026-01-06.
3. "MSN". www.msn.com. Retrieved 2026-01-06.
4. "8 Nigerian Soldiers Killed, 5 Injured in Deadly IED Attack". Truth Nigeria. 2026-01-05. Retrieved 2026-01-26.
5. "At least nine soldiers killed in ambush attack in Nigeria's Borno state, sources say".
6. "U.S. Forces Conduct Strikes Targeting ISIS-Somalia". United States Africa Command . 2026-01-10. Retrieved 2026-01-11.
7. "Islamic State kills 15 Christians in north-eastern Nigeria, demands conversion to Islam". Barnabas Aid. 2026-01-05. Retrieved 2026-01-12.
8. "U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting ISIS-Somalia". United States Africa Command . 11 January 2026. Retrieved 11 January 2026.
9. "U.S., Partner Forces Strike ISIS Targets in Syria". United States Central Command . 10 January 2026. Retrieved 12 January 2026.
10. "U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting ISIS-Somalia". United States Africa Command . Stuttgart, Germany. 13 January 2026.
11. Makama, Zagazola (2026-01-14). "NAF neutralized 10 ISWAP in devastating strikes in Timbuktu Triangle". Zagazola Makama. Retrieved 2026-01-14.
12. "U.S. Forces Kill Al-Qaeda Affiliate Leader Linked to ISIS Ambush on Americans in Syria". United States Central Command . 17 January 2026.
13. "阿富汗中餐馆爆炸酿7死 中国公民一死一伤 华使馆呼吁国民暂勿前往".
14. "https://www.reuters.com/world/china/islamic-state-claims-responsibility-attack-chinese-run-restaurant-afghanistan-2026-01-19/".{{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)
15. Tondo, Lorenzo; Sabbagh, Dan (2026-01-19). "Dozens of IS prisoners freed in Syria amid clashes between army and Kurdish-led forces". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 2026-01-20.
16. "SDF: Shaddadi Prison out of control -ANHA".
17. "https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/kurdish-led-force-says-armed-group-attacks-syria-prison-holding-thousands-2026-01-19/".{{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)
18. iliyabature2022 (2026-01-20). "BREAKING: Troops Bust ISWAP Recruitment Syndicate in Borno, Arrest 3 Agents". PRNigeria News. Retrieved 2026-01-20.
19. "U.S. Forces Launch Mission in Syria to Transfer ISIS Detainees to Iraq". United States Central Command . Retrieved 21 January 2026.
20. "U.S. Forces Conduct Airstrike Targeting ISIS-Somalia". United States Africa Command . Stuttgart, Germany. 23 January 2026.
21. "U.S. Forces Conduct Airstrikes Targeting ISIS-Somalia". United States Africa Command . 26 January 2026. Retrieved 28 January 2026.
22. "https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/2/1/tv-patrol-regional-february-1-2026-1730".{{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)
23. ADF (2026-02-03). "Islamic State Expands Funding in Mozambique". Africa Defense Forum. Retrieved 2026-02-06.
24. "Teen wanting to join ISIS pleads guilty to attacking New Jersey cops". New York Daily News. 2026-01-24. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
25. "Mali: JNIM launches a counter-offensive against Daesh in the Arbinda area. They have driven them out, killing four and seizing their weapons. Mopti Region, Mali". Sahel news on the map - Africa - sahel.liveuamap.com. Retrieved 2026-01-29.
26. News, A. B. C. "25 killed in attack by Islamic State-backed group in eastern Congo, rights group says". ABC News. Retrieved 2026-01-26.{{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
27. "Azerbaijan arrests three people over planned embassy attack in Baku". Al Jazeera. 27 January 2026. Retrieved 2026-01-27.
28. Norman-Diamond, Greg (2026-02-04). "US military in Syria carries out 5 strikes against 'multiple ISIS targets'". Fox News. Retrieved 2026-02-06.
29. "Singaporean boy, 14, who simulated ISIS terror attacks on Roblox issued ISA restriction order". The Star. 2026-01-28. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
30. "https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/brazil-police-arrest-suspect-with-ties-islamic-state-source-says-2026-01-29/".{{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)
31. Staff, Al Jazeera. "ISIL claims responsibility for Niger airport attack". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2026-01-30.
32. perceptions, african (2026-01-30). "Attack on Niamey Airport Sparks Regional Diplomatic Crisis as Niger Accuses Neighbors and France". African Percentions. Retrieved 2026-01-30.
33. "Mali: ISIS Sahel claims responsibility for the attack two days ago near Ménaka against a patrol of the African Crops and the Malian army, "20 dead and wounded" Ménaka, Région de Gao". Sahel news on the map - Africa - sahel.liveuamap.com. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
34. Makama, Zagazola (2026-02-02). "ISWAP appoints Abu Khalifa as new commander in Timbuktu Triangle". Zagazola Makama. Retrieved 2026-02-02.
35. "MSN". www.msn.com. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
36. Omolehin, Tunde; español, DYEPKAZAH SHIBAYAN Leer en (2026-02-04). "Islamic militants kill at least 162 people in attacks on 2 villages in Nigeria, lawmaker says". AP News. Retrieved 2026-02-05.
37. "Nigeria gunmen in deadly attack on Kwara villages as US military team's deployment confirmed". www.bbc.com. 2026-02-04. Retrieved 2026-02-05.
38. "https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/jamal-borhot-isis-sentencing-9.7074507".{{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)
39. "Iraq's JOC strikes ISIS hideouts in Nineveh". Shafaq News. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
40. "A man detonates explosive belt during arrest attempt in Iraq, injuring 2 security members". AP News. 2026-02-06. Retrieved 2026-02-08.
41. Malik, Shahzad; Draz, Umer; Drury, Flora (7 February 2026). "Pakistan mosque explosion: More than 30 dead and 169 injured, officials say". BBC News . Retrieved 7 February 2026.
42. "Explosion at Islamabad Mosque Kills Several, Emergency Declared". Deccan Herald. 6 February 2026. Retrieved 7 February 2026.
43. Salman Masood, Salman Masood (6 February 2026). "Suicide Bombing Kills 31 at Mosque in Pakistan's Capital". The New York Times. Retrieved 7 February 2026.
44. "Westminster man pleads guilty to federal terrorism charge". The Denver Post. 2026-02-06. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
45. "Suspected IS-Sahel militants attacked Nigerien customs office in the town of Kouré very early this morning, less than 50km southeast of the capital Niamey, two customs officers were reportedly killed while two other personnel are still missing, motorcycles and a vehicle were destroyed while another was captured by the insurgents Koure, Niger". Sahel news on the map - Africa - sahel.liveuamap.com. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
46. Ahmed, Munir; español, MUHAMMAD YOUSAF Leer en (2026-02-07). "Pakistan arrests 4 suspects in mosque bombing that killed 31 in the capital". AP News. Retrieved 2026-02-07.