The Islamic Front for Iraqi Resistance (IFIR) is an umbrella organization that formed when several Sunni resistance groups in northern Iraq joined forces. IFIR opposes the "American occupation" of Iraq, the current Iraqi government, which it perceives to be a puppet of the US, and Shia Muslims, who are seen to have betrayed Islam. The group conducts insurgency operations through its military wing, the Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi Brigades, named after the legendary Muslim commander that overwhelmingly defeated Western Crusader forces in the Battle of Hattin and recaptured Jerusalem in 1187. The IFIR is responsible for distributing videos of Salah al-Din Brigades' attacks, issuing statements claiming responsibility for attacks, and publicly denouncing the current Iraqi government as well as US and coalition forces in Iraq. <P><br />Due to the revered nature of Salah al-Din, or Saladin, many references to his name appear in the region. In this case, the Salah al-Din Brigades is most likely a double reference to the famous warrior's success in repelling Western incursions into "Muslim lands" as well as the Salah al-Din province of Iraq, around which the group conducts its operations. This group has no relation to the Salah al-Din Battalions of the Palestinian Popular Resistance Committees. <P><br />The Salah al-Din Brigades' preferred method of attack is the roadside bomb, and its preferred targets include US convoys and supply vehicles. It is also responsible for small arms attacks on Shia Muslims, several rocket attacks, as well as limited sniper actions on US soldiers. Its area of operation is confined to northern Iraq, especially the Mosul and Baquba areas. <P><br />The IFIR appears to be one of the central entities in the Iraqi insurgency and has issued joint statements with significant groups such as the 1920 Revolution Brigades and the Islamic Army of Iraq, among many others. Through these organizations, it is likely that the IFIR has indirect ties to the Mujahideen Shura Council and al-Qaeda in the Land of Two Rivers. <br />