ISIS is training special operatives for attacks on the West, CIA chief says

(Image credit: MOLLY RILEY/AFP/Getty Images)

published 16 June 2016

In a statement to Congress on Thursday morning, CIA Director John Brennan is expected to warn that the Islamic State appears to be specifically gearing up to launch attacks on the West. "We judge that ISIL is training and attempting to deploy operatives for further attacks," Brennan will tell the Senate Intelligence Committee, according to excerpts of his statement provided to CNN. "ISIL has a large cadre of Western fighters who could potentially serve as operatives for attacks in the West. And the group is probably exploring a variety of means for infiltrating operatives into the West, including refugee flows, smuggling routes, and legitimate methods of travel." Brennan will reveal that the terrorist group is also ramping up its encouragement for more "lone-wolf attacks in their home countries," The Associated Press reports.

Brennan will tell the Senate Intelligence Committee that this information suggests efforts by the U.S. have not been sufficient to discourage the terrorist group. "Unfortunately, despite all our progress against ISIL on the battlefield and in the financial realm, our efforts have not reduced the group's terrorism capability and global reach," Brennan will say. ISIS is reportedly beginning to connect its disparate branches to make "an interconnected network," The Associated Press reports, and is eyeing an increased presence in Africa. Though the group's efforts to raise money have been somewhat hampered, ISIS is reportedly still bringing in "at least tens of millions of dollars in revenue each month."