Al-Mourabitoun was created on 22 August 2013 after the merging of MUJAO and El-Mouaguiine Biddam.[2] On 13 May 2015, MUJAO pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in a statement by the group's leader, Walid al-Sarhaoui.[3][4][5] It operated independently until 30 October 2016, when it was formally recognised by the Islamic State.[6][7][8][9]