SUMMARY

Shortly after the foundation of the RJF (Reform and Jihad Front) a number of their leaders were killed by the ISI (Islamic State in Iraq). The RJF had been formed as a response to what they perceived as too much influence of al-Qaeda in the Iraqi insurgency. The two groups were thus competing over who would be the dominating force against the Iraqi government and against the US occupation. Other cleavages between the groups included RJF’s critique against indiscriminate attacks on the Iraqi population.

One of the more extraordinary attacks took place when some 200 stormed two villages east of Baghdad, killing more than RJF fighters and kidnapping more than a dozen women. In the clashes various types of weaponry were used, from guns and machine guns to rocket-propelled grenades and mortars.

The non-state conflict between ISI and RJF is first included in UCDP data in 2007. In May of that year violent clashes flared up in the region, resulting in over 25 battle-related deaths.