Ansar al Islam is a militant group based in Iraq and Syria that is known for its extremist ideology and violent tactics. The group has been designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. As a result of this designation, many synonyms have emerged to describe the group, such as Ansar al Sunnah, Ansar al Sharia, and Ansar al Khilafah. These synonyms are often used interchangeably with Ansar al Islam to refer to the group and its activities. Despite these different names, the group's fundamental beliefs and tactics remain the same, making it a significant threat in the region.