Share

IS threat 'beyond anything we've seen' - Pentagon

Washington - The sophistication, wealth and military might of Islamic State militants pose a major threat to the United States that may surpass that from al-Qaeda, US military leaders said on Thursday.

"They are an imminent threat to every interest we have, whether it's in Iraq or anywhere else," Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel told reporters at the Pentagon about the militant group, which has seized a third of Iraq and released a video this week showing one of its fighters beheading an American hostage.

Asked if Islamic State posed a threat to the United States comparable to that of the attacks of  11 September 2001, Hagel said the group was "as sophisticated and well-funded as any group we have seen.

"They are beyond just a terrorist group. They marry ideology, a sophistication of ... military prowess. They are tremendously well-funded. This is beyond anything we've seen."

General Martin Dempsey, chairperson of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the group could pose a direct threat to Western countries through the return of European or US nationals to their home countries after having fought in Syria or Iraq.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1175 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1366 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2078 votes
Vote
Rand - Dollar
19.02
-0.4%
Rand - Pound
24.13
-0.1%
Rand - Euro
20.64
-0.2%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.39
+0.3%
Rand - Yen
0.13
+0.4%
Platinum
901.05
-0.2%
Palladium
999.00
-0.7%
Gold
2,149.46
-0.5%
Silver
24.83
-0.8%
Brent Crude
86.89
+1.8%
Top 40
65,951
-0.5%
All Share
72,164
-0.4%
Resource 10
53,288
-0.1%
Industrial 25
99,497
-1.0%
Financial 15
16,657
+0.2%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE