Islamic State ‘no weaker’ after year of US-led strikes

THE Islamic State group is no weaker than it was when US-led bombing began a year ago, American intelligence agencies say.

The campaign has prevented Iraq’s collapse and killed more than 10,000 extremist fighters, putting IS under increasing pressure in northern Syria.

But analysts see the overall situation as a strategic stalemate.

IS remains a well-funded army able to replenish its ranks with foreign jihadis as quickly as the US can eliminate them. The group has also expanded to other countries, including Libya, Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula and Afghanistan.

Assessments by the CIA, the Defence Intelligence Agency and others appear to contradict the optimistic line taken by the US government’s envoy, retired general John Allen – who last week said ‘IS is losing’ in Iraq and Syria.

But a defence official said: ‘We’ve seen no meaningful degradation in their numbers.’ He cited intelligence that puts the group’s total strength between 20,000 and 30,000, the same as last August when air strikes began.

The Obama administration has ruled out US fighting on the ground – but under its campaign of bombing and training, it could take a decade to drive IS out, according to analysts.

Officials say IS fighters now travel among women and children to thwart the bombings, which try to avoid civilian casualties.