UK ‘at risk of attack’ as IS forced out

Iraq: Terror group vengeance warning

There is a“real risk” Islamic State (IS) militants will launchattacksonBritain as they are forced out of their stronghold in Iraq, International Development Minister Rory Stewart has said.

Mr Stewart said it is “overwhelmingly likely” Iraqi forces will win the battle of Mosul and seize back control of the territory from the jihadis. And he sought to calm fears the push could result in an unmanageable humanitarian crisis as up to one million civilians may flee the city.

But he warned that as pressure ratchets up on IS in Iraq, they may seek revenge by launching attacks in the UK and Europe.

He said: “This is a group that has proved over the last five years very unpre- dictable. Often it does unexpected things.

“For example, when in 2009 its predecessor had been largely wiped out in Iraq, it attacked into Syria. When it was under pressure in Syria, it came back into Iraq.

“It is clear territory is something they are focused on. So we also have, along with all the stuff within the region, a big, big focus on counter-terrorism, security and making sure that we keep the United Kingdom and Europe safe.”

His comments came as Iraqi and Kurdish forces continue their push against IS fighters in Mosul.

The fight to regain the city, IS’s last stronghold in Iraq, has taken longer than some commentators expected. ButMr Stewart said victory is likely as 30,000 troops are taking on just a few thousand IS fighters in the city.

“This is a group that has proved to be very unpredictable”