Leaders of the Islamic State (IS) are determined to strike targets in the United States this year, senior U.S. intelligence officials have said, telling lawmakers that a small group of violent extremists will attempt to overcome the logistical challenges of mounting such an attack.
In testimony before congressional committees, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper and other officials described the Islamic State as the “pre-eminent terrorist threat.” The militant group can “direct and inspire attacks against a wide range of targets around the world,” Mr. Clapper said on Tuesday.
They will replicate attacks on Europe
Marine Lt Gen Vincent Stewart, director of the Defence Intelligence Agency, has said the IS will probably conduct additional attacks in Europe and then attempt the same in the U.S. He said the U.S. intelligence agencies believe IS leaders “will be increasingly involved in directing attacks rather than just encouraging lone attackers.”
Mr. Clapper has also said the al-Qaeda, from which the IS spun off, remains an enemy and the U.S. will continue to see cyber threats from China, Russia and North Korea, which is also ramping up its nuclear program.
Published - February 10, 2016 05:33 pm IST
