Map shows ‘aspiring branches’ in Mali, Egypt, Somalia, Bangladesh, Indonesia and the Philippines
Isis has “fully operational branches” in 18 countries, a leaked briefing document received by the White House has revealed.
The briefing map suggests a three-fold increase in the number of areas the terror group are operating in around the globe.
Previous US State Department documents from 2014 stated Isis were only active in seven nations.
The map is part of a classified briefing document dated “August 2016”, which was prepared by the National Counterterrorism Center and obtained by NBC News.
It identifies the Isis “core” states of Syria and Iraq along with nations where it has “official branches”, including Algeria, Nigeria, Libya, the Sinai Peninsula, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Caucasus area to the south of Russia.
The map also shows “aspiring branches” in Mali, Egypt, Somalia, Bangladesh, Indonesia and the Philippines.
Isis has used pledges of allegiance by existing terrorist and insurgent group to establish franchises around the world.
The terror group has also encouraged lone wolf attacks throughout Europe.
independent.co.uk
