‘Islamic State getting stronger in Iraq again’

London: The presence of the Islamic State (IS) terror group in Iraq was a sophisticated insurgency, with growing an indication that the militants were re-grouping two years after losing the last of its territory in the country, a media report said. Kurdish intelligence officials estimate that IS is 10,000 strong in Iraq with between 4,000 and 5,000 fighters, and a similar number of sleeper cells and sympathizers, the BBC said in the reported.

According to Lahur Talabany, a top Kurdish counter-terrorism official, the militants were now more skilled and more dangerous than Al Qaeda.

“They have better techniques, better tactics and a lot more money at their disposal,” he told the BBC on Sunday.

“They are able to buy vehicles, weapons, food supplies, and equipment. Technologically they’re savvier. It’s more difficult to flush them out. So, they are like Al Qaeda on steroids.”

At his base in Sulaimaniya, nestled in the hills of the Kurdistan region of Northern Iraq, Talabany painted a picture of an organization that has spent the past 12 months rebuilding from the ruins of the Caliphate. (IANS)

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