President Obama’s announcement that U.S. military forces will be withdrawn from Iraq by the end of the year has been accompanied by a renewed wave of terrorist attacks. In particular, Ansar al Islam (AAI), an al Qaeda-affiliated organization, has claimed responsibility for a series of recent deadly attacks.

According to the SITE Intel Group, AAI used online jihadist forums to claim responsibility for the twin Oct. 6 bombings in northern Baghdad, a “string of explosions” on Oct. 10 in western Baghdad, and the  Oct. 13 blast in Sadr City. The attacks targeted Iraqi security forces and Shia militias. In all, AAI says the attacks have killed at least 60 people.