The defeat of the Islamic State in Syria has not diminished militants’ ability to inspire attacks on Western targets via the internet, U.S. national security officials told senators on Wednesday, Reuters reported.

“ISIS’ capacity to reach sympathizers around the world through its robust social media capability is unprecedented and gives the group access to large numbers of HVEs,” said Lora Shiao, acting director of intelligence at the National Counterterrorism Center.

Senator representing Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Ron Johnson said he shares the view, adding “this is the new caliphate - in cyberspace”.