How did Abu Musab al-Zarqawi’s death affect violence in Iraq?

The death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in June 2006 did not lead to a reduction in violence in Iraq. While his leadership of al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) had been characterized by brutal attacks—including suicide bombings and sectarian targeting—his removal by U.S. forces did not immediately quell the ongoing conflict.12

Following his death, the organization remained active, though it faced increasing local opposition from Iraqi Sunnis who were alienated by the group's tactics and its attempts to replace local tribal power structures. The eventual decline in violence during 2007 was attributed to a combination of factors rather than a single event, most notably the U.S. military "surge" and the emergence of the Awakening Councils, a movement in which Sunni tribesmen realigned to counter insurgents, particularly those affiliated with AQI.21