In spite of regular statements from the Trump administration regarding “victory” over ISIS, a draft report from the Pentagon indicates that without continued efforts, the terrorist organization could begin to expand its territory within 6-12 months. Coalition forces have retaken nearly 100% of the land previously occupied by ISIS, with the final areas reportedly weeks from capture, but the group has maintained disbursed strength in spite of losing control of physical ground. The U.S. military has been ordered to fully withdraw all troops within 120 days, which would bring the U.S. presence in the country to an end in the spring. The organization has largely been completely “defeated” in traditional terms, pending the loss of its final territory, but intelligence community leaders warn the the group has returned to its guerrilla warfare roots, allowing it to carry out large attacks and commanding “thousands of fighters in Iraq and Syria.”
Source: ISIS could reclaim territory in months without military pressure, warns Pentagon in draft report
