The United States began carrying out air strikes against ISIS in Syria on Tuesday, September 23. The air strikes focused on the ISIS stronghold of Raqqa, a city in northern Syria.

ISIS is a terrorist group which was originally a splinter group of al Queda. Their goal is to create an Islamic state across the Sunni areas of Iraq and in Syria. Known for its intensive and horrific cruelty – including crucifixions and mass public executions – the group has a presence in areas from Syria’s Mediterranean coast to south of Baghdad, and it rules by Sharia law.

The escalation to air strikes comes from several places. In early August, a video showing the decapitation of James Foley, an American journalist, was posted online. Then in early September, ISIS released a video showing the beheading of U.S. journalist Steven Sotloff.

The killings continued to Saturday, September 13 a video showing the execution of David Haines, a British aid worker, was posted online. Along with these videos were demands that other countries end their alliances with the United States and threats against other civilian hostages. These savage acts, combined with the crimes against those who live in the regions that ISIS is active in, have brought many nations together to fight this growing threat.

ISIS isn’t a terrorist group that any country has similar experience dealing with. According to UN reports, ISIS threats have displaced 1.2 million Iraqis. It currently controls Syria’s largest oil field, and because of this, they are said to be one of the best-funded terrorist organization. However, the Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Admiral John Kirby has said the air strikes are intended to remove the means which ISIS uses to sustain itself.

More than fifty other countries have agreed to help in the fight. Belgium, Denmark and Britain will all send fighter jets to help in the campaign against ISIS. Even Russia has made statements signaling that they, too, are ready to help fight against the ISIS threat. Also on the list of those fighting against ISIS includes France, the Netherlands and Australia. However, no one is under the delusion that this campaign will take only a few weeks or even months.

As of yet, no one has pledged to have ground troops join the Iraq military. However, the airstrike campaign, which has been going on since August in Iraq, has, according to military experts, helped to halt and disrupt ISIS communication and movement.