CIA: Islamic State has more than 20,000 fighters
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 12 September 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, CIA: Islamic State has more than 20,000 fighters, 12 September 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/542ac76515.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
September 12, 2014
The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency says it now believes the number of Islamic State fighters in Syria and Iraq is somewhere between 20,000 and 31,500.
CIA spokesman Ryan Trapani said on September 11,"This new total reflects an increase in members because of stronger recruitment since June following battlefield successes and the declaration of a caliphate, greater battlefield activity, and additional intelligence."
Previously the number of IS fighters was estimated to be around 10,000.
The new figure is based on a review of intelligence reports from May to August this year.
U.S. President Barack Obama made an address to the nation on September 10 in which he vowed to eradicate the IS.
IS militants are responsible for killing thousands of people in Syria and Iraq, particularly Shi'ite Muslims and non-Muslims.
Based on reporting by AFP and AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website