The Islamic State group, whose defeat in Syria and Iraq has repeatedly been announced by US President Donald Trump, has been strengthening and expanding its underground network in these countries in recent months. This conclusion is contained in the report of the inspector general of the US Defense Department Glenn Fine on the progress of Operation Inherent Resolve, which the US military and their allies have been conducting for five years in the Middle East, RIA Novosti reported.

During the quarter, the ISIS continued the transition from tactics of retaining territories on its own to a rebel movement in Syria and strengthened its rebel capabilities in Iraq. According to the command of Operation Unshakable Determination, ISIS carried out killings, attacks by suicide bombers, abducted and set fire to crops in both Iraq and Syria. In addition, the ISIS created resurgent cells in Syria and sought to expand its command and control posts in Iraq.

According to the source, the ISIS is rebuilding its financial network.