Degraded IS Still 'Formidable and Brutal', U.S. intelligence and military officials say the Islamic State is losing ground in Iraq, and perhaps more.
“Its momentum has been checked and the group has suffered some notable setbacks during the last couple of months,” a U.S. official told VOA on condition of anonymity. “Mounting a major comeback to retake lost territory would be challenging under current conditions.”
Those conditions include a steady bombardment of Islamic State targets from almost daily airstrikes from the United States and other anti-IS coalition members, as well as reinvigorated Iraqi security forces and a continued push by Kurdish fighters.
And despite what the official described as “pockets of strength” in Fallujah, Ramadi and parts of other provinces, more trouble could be looming for IS, which is also known as ISIS or ISIL.
“There appears to be some dissatisfaction in the ranks now, and that could grow if battlefield strains increase,” the official said..........Read More
“Its momentum has been checked and the group has suffered some notable setbacks during the last couple of months,” a U.S. official told VOA on condition of anonymity. “Mounting a major comeback to retake lost territory would be challenging under current conditions.”
Those conditions include a steady bombardment of Islamic State targets from almost daily airstrikes from the United States and other anti-IS coalition members, as well as reinvigorated Iraqi security forces and a continued push by Kurdish fighters.
And despite what the official described as “pockets of strength” in Fallujah, Ramadi and parts of other provinces, more trouble could be looming for IS, which is also known as ISIS or ISIL.
“There appears to be some dissatisfaction in the ranks now, and that could grow if battlefield strains increase,” the official said..........Read More
