The first Western journalist who was allowed extensive access to the Islamic State territories in Iraq and Syria has revealed that the jihadist group is "much stronger and much more dangerous" than any other in the world.
German journalist Jurgen Todenhofer travelled from Turkey to Mosul, the biggest city occupied by the IS after months of negotiations with IS militants, reported the Independent.
He plans to publish a summary of his 10 days under the Islamic State rule on Monday but discussed how it was to live in IS territories.
He said that he lived in the same hotel as U.S. journalist James Foley and claimed that he had seen the brutal video.
Todenhofer was constantly concerned as to how he could avoid the same fate as Foley during his stay at the hotel.
He said that hundreds of fighters arrive in the city from all around the world everyday and that the IS has grown bigger than the United Kingdom.
IS' activities constitute the "largest religious cleansing strategy" that has ever been planned in the entire human history, claimed the German journalist.
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
