US airstrikes boosted ISIL, says James Comey
FBI Director James Comey
Thu Sep 18, 2014 11:55AM GMT
Far from achieving the announced goal of degrading ISIL, US airstrikes
have boosted support for the terrorist organization controlling large parts
of Iraq and Syria, according to FBI Director James Comey.
"ISIL's widespread use of social media and growing online support
intensified following the commencement of US airstrikes in Iraq," the FBI
director told Congress at a hearing on Wednesday.
Comey also warned that ISIL may capture more American hostages in order to
put pressure on Washington to make concessions toward the group.
At the same hearing, Director of the National Counterterrorism Center Matt
Olsen said that ISIL draws an estimated $1 million per day through illicit
sale of oil from reserves captured in Iraq and Syria, as well as smuggling,
robberies, and ransom payments for hostages.
Olsen pointed out that Syria remains a prime training ground for militant
groups including ISIL.
The rate of travelers into Syria exceeds the rate of travelers who went
into Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Yemen or Somalia at any point in the last
10 years, he said.
Olsen added that the ISIL group has relied on its widespread and
sophisticated use of social media to recruit more than 15,000 foreign
militants in Syria, who may return to their home countries battle-hardened
and determined to attack.
The security officials testified before Congress as the US military prepared
to expand military action against ISIL from Iraq to Syria, where the terror
organization is headquartered.
US President Barack Obama vowed last week to broaden the war on ISIL to
degrade and ultimately destroy the terror organization which has executed
two American hostages in recent weeks.
American military aircraft have been targeting ISIL positions in Iraq since
August 8. Obama has also authorized airstrikes on ISIL bases in neighboring
Syria, but has yet to order the US military to carry them out.
HRJ/HRJ
Thé Mulindwas Communication Group
"With Yoweri Museveni, Ssabassajja and Dr. Kiiza Besigye, Uganda is in
anarchy"
Kuungana Mulindwa Mawasiliano Kikundi
"Pamoja na Yoweri Museveni, Ssabassajja na Dk. Kiiza Besigye, Uganda ni
katika machafuko"
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