Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis, meaning “Supporters of Jerusalem,” is a militant organization primarily operating in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt. The group has been involved in various acts of violence and terrorism, targeting both Egyptian security forces and civilians.
The origins of Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis can be traced back to the aftermath of the 2011 Egyptian revolution. The group emerged amidst the political turmoil and instability that followed the overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak. Initially, Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis focused on attacking Israeli targets in the Sinai region, reflecting its name’s emphasis on Jerusalem.
Over time, the group shifted its focus towards targeting the Egyptian government and security forces, particularly following the ousting of President Mohamed Morsi in 2013. Since then, Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis has been responsible for numerous deadly attacks, including bombings, shootings, and ambushes.
One of the significant occurrences associated with Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis was its allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) in November 2014. The group declared its affiliation with IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, renaming itself Wilayat Sinai (Sinai Province) and becoming the Islamic State’s branch in Egypt.
The leader of Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis, also known as Wilayat Sinai, has been elusive, with various individuals assuming leadership roles at different times. However, little is publicly known about the specific leaders of the organization due to its secretive nature and the Egyptian government’s efforts to dismantle its leadership structure.
Numerous countries and international organizations have designated Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis, or its offshoot Wilayat Sinai, as a terrorist organization. Among them are Egypt, the United States, the United Kingdom, and others. These designations highlight the group’s involvement in violent extremism and its threat to regional security.
In summary, Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis is a militant group with roots in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt, initially focusing on attacks against Israeli targets before shifting towards targeting the Egyptian government and security forces. Its allegiance to the Islamic State and its involvement in numerous deadly attacks have led to its designation as a terrorist organization by multiple countries and international bodies.
