The United States has said that terror group Islamic State (ISIS) has about 14,000 to 18,000 terrorists operating in Syria and Iraq.
The revelation was made in the 18th Lead Inspector General report on the Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR), issued by the Pentagon.
In December, US President Donald Trump had said that the IS had been defeated in Syria and announced the pullout of the US forces from the country.
"CJTF-OIR (Combined Joint Task Force OIR) reported based on open-source data that ISIS likely retains between 14,000 and 18,000 'members' in Iraq and Syria, including up to 3,000 foreigners," the report said.
According to the report, estimations of the number of IS terrorists from different agencies and experts vary greatly.
Last week, US Special Representative for Syria Engagement, James Jeffrey said that there were some 15,000 active IS terrorists in Syria and Iraq.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app