Presence of al-Qaeda in Iraq - December 2006

This map represents al-Qaeda Iraq’s presence in December of 2006.  The dark red areas represent  areas in which al-Qaeda enjoyed freedom of movement and safe haven. The light red areas represent areas of population influence.  The image on the bottom right is a hand drawn al-Qaeda map that was captured by Coalition Forces. It outlines their strategy of using the belts around Baghdad to expand their presence in the capital.