UN Security Council Condemns ISIS, Intelligence Officials Say Group Growing in Size, Strength

iStockphoto/Thinkstock(BAGHDAD) — U.S. intelligence officials believe that the militant group, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, that has taken over cities in the northern part of Iraq, had grown in numbers and strength and may be more resistant to traditional counterterrorism tactics.

Since ISIS took control of the city of Mosul in June, they are believed to have grown rapidly, now standing well beyond the 10,000 fighters it had months ago. The organization, intelligence officials believe, has momentum and the aim to expand its external terrorist ambitions.

Also on Friday, the United Nations Security Council approved a resolution that condemns the actions of ISIS, as well as its “violent extremist ideology.”

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Samantha Power said ISIS has “no shame.”

In action, the UNSC resolution blacklists six individuals, including ISIS spokesman Abu Muhammad al-Adnani and five individuals affiliated with the Nusra front. All six will be banned from international travel, have their assets frozen and be subject to an arms embargo.


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