On August 9, 1988, a pivotal step was taken in the rise of global extremism — Al-Qaeda was officially formed, emerging from the ashes of the Afghan-Soviet war with ties to the Services Office network. Led by Osama bin Laden and his associates, it sought to launch global jihad. What began as a militant support group quickly evolved into one of the most notorious terrorist organizations in modern history. This day marks the inception of an ideology that altered global security forever. | Big Bang