The Islamic State group “remains a potent force of battle-hardened and well-disciplined fighters that ‘could likely resurge in Syria’ absent continued counterterrorism pressure,” the report from the inspector general said. In late November and December that figure had been estimated at between 400 and 600 square kilometres, according to officials briefed on the matter. But several defence officials said Monday that many fighters fled to ungoverned spaces and other pockets in the north and in the west and are likely hiding out until they can regroup. Officials say that overall, there are about 2,000 IS militants in Syria. According to the report, U.S. Central Command believes that IS fighters will continue to conduct “opportunistic attacks” on U.S. troops as they withdraw.

Source: National Post February 05, 2019 05:37 UTC