Fact Check: "ISIS once controlled 88,000 sq km, imposing brutal rule on 8 million people."
What We Know
The claim that ISIS controlled approximately 88,000 square kilometers and imposed brutal rule on around 8 million people is supported by various sources. At its peak, ISIS was reported to control territory spanning from western Syria to eastern Iraq, with estimates indicating that the group governed about 88,000 square kilometers (approximately 34,000 square miles) of land (Hindustan Times). This area included significant urban centers and rural regions, allowing ISIS to exert control over a substantial population.
In terms of population, estimates suggest that ISIS ruled over approximately 8 million people during its territorial peak (Brookings). This figure is consistent with reports indicating that the group's governance extended to regions where millions resided, particularly in cities like Mosul and Raqqa.
Analysis
The claim is partially true based on the evidence available. While it is accurate that ISIS controlled around 88,000 square kilometers at its height, the exact figures can vary based on different assessments. For instance, some reports indicate that ISIS's territorial control peaked at between 100,000 and 110,000 square kilometers, which includes the total area held across various regions (Wikipedia). However, the 88,000 square kilometers figure is commonly cited and reflects a significant portion of the territory held during its most powerful phase.
The assertion regarding the population is also credible. The estimate of 8 million people under ISIS rule aligns with various analyses of the group's territorial governance (Hindustan Times). The brutal nature of their rule is well-documented, characterized by widespread violence, human rights abuses, and strict enforcement of their interpretation of Islamic law, which has been reported extensively by multiple credible sources (RAND).
However, it is essential to consider the reliability of the sources. The Hindustan Times and Brookings Institution are reputable outlets, but the Wikipedia entry, while informative, can be subject to edits and may not always reflect the most current or accurate information. Thus, while the figures are supported by credible reports, they should be viewed within the context of ongoing conflict and the challenges in accurately assessing territorial control and population figures in war-torn regions.
Conclusion
The claim that "ISIS once controlled 88,000 sq km, imposing brutal rule on 8 million people" is partially true. The territory controlled by ISIS at its peak is accurately represented, although some estimates suggest a slightly larger area. The population figure is also credible, reflecting the significant number of people living under ISIS governance. However, the nuances in territorial estimates and the challenges in verifying such data in conflict zones warrant a cautious interpretation of the claim.
Sources
- How ISIS Uses Oil to Fund Terror
- Territory of the Islamic State
- Who was Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi?
- Startseite | ISIS
- Baghdadi's death 'great day' for people who have suffered ...
- ISIS、基地组织、塔利班之间有什么联系 ...
- COVID-19 restrictions unexpectedly reduced Islamic State ...
- The Islamic State (Terrorist Organization) | RAND
