CIA Director says IS represents 'ideology of violence, ' not Islam

CIA Director John O. Brennan has cautioned against categorizing the Islamic State (IS) fighters as followers of Muslim faith by saying that they represent an "ideology of violence" and not religion.

In an interview, Brennan stuck to the Obama administration's official line and stressed on the need to not use phrases like "radical Islam" for the IS terrorists, The Washington Times reported.

Brennan warned that it would be a mistake to link the IS with Islam, when majority of Muslims around the globe have denounced, condemned their actions and therefore, he added, "we should not give them any religious legitimacy."

The CIA Chief added that he was prepared to call them "extremists" and "violent terrorists" who misrepresent Islamic faith.