Almost all American ISIS fighters unaccounted for, sparking fears

30

Tick-bloody-tock.

Almost all American ISIS fighters unaccounted for, sparking fears they could slip through cracks and return

FOX News, October 28, 2017:

According to a new report, “Beyond the Caliphate: Foreign Fighters and the Threat of Returnees,” released this week by the Soufan Center — a Washington-based security intelligence consultancy — there are now at least 5,600 citizens or residents from 33 countries who have returned home — accounting for about 15 percent of the fighters.

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FILE - In this file picture taken on Friday, July 21, 2017, Kurdish soldiers from the Anti-Terrorism Units, carry a blindfolded an Indonesian man suspected of Islamic State membership, at a security center, in Kobani, Syria. Western governments have tacitly handed down guidance to the forces uprooting the remnants of Islamic State in Raqqa and beyond on how to handle their citizens who joined the extremist group by the thousands. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla, File)

FILE – In this file picture taken on Friday, July 21, 2017, Kurdish soldiers from the Anti-Terrorism Units, carry a blindfolded an Indonesian man suspected of Islamic State membership, at a security center, in Kobani, Syria. Western governments have tacitly handed down guidance to the forces uprooting the remnants of Islamic State in Raqqa and beyond on how to handle their citizens who joined the extremist group by the thousands. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla, File)  (Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

The report asserts that for the United States, 129 fighters succeeded in leaving the country and only seven have returned.

Of the 5,000 residents of the European Union who flocked to Iraq and Syria, a quarter are alleged to have returned home. But in the U.K., that figure was closer to half, with some 425 of the 850 fighters who left Britain to join the self-styled caliphate back on home soil. Around 5,000 left from Central Asia, of which just 500 — 10 percent — too have returned.

The countries with the highest number of foreign fighters included Jordan at 3,000 (around 250 returned), France at 1,910 with 271 back and Morocco at 1,623 with 198 having gone home. Meanwhile, 400 of Russia’s 3,417 fighters are estimated to be back on their native soil, 147 of the 1,300 Tajikistan fighters, 800 of Tunisia’s 2,926, none of the 1,200 from Uyghurs — in China’s western Xinjiang region — have returned and none of the 1,500 from Uzbekistan are believed to have crossed back into their mothership.

Civilians carry their belongings as they walk between destroyed buildings by clashes in the Old City of Mosul, Iraq July 23, 2017. REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani - RC1A5986ACC0

The Old City of Mosul in the final days before ISIS defeat in July, 2017.  (REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani)

“This is only what we know and what official records report. What about those that are still transiting illegally and freely across borders,” Lee Oughton, security expert and global business development director of international risk management firm, the Abbey Grey Group, observed. “The borders going into the U.S. are seen as porous and could be an ideal spot for returning ISIS fighters to filter undetected back into society.”

BRITS WHO RISKED THEIR LIVES TO FIGHT ISIS SAY THEY RETURN HOME ONLY TO BE ACCUSED OF TERRORISM

Yes because they are terrorists.

An undated photograph of a man described as Abdelhamid Abaaoud that was published in the Islamic State's online magazine Dabiq and posted on a social media website. A Belgian national currently in Syria and believed to be one of Islamic State's most active operators is suspected of being behind Friday's attacks in Paris, acccording to a source close to the French investigation. "He appears to be the brains behind several planned attacks in Europe," the source told Reuters of Abdelhamid Abaaoud, adding he was investigators' best lead as the person likely behind the killing of at least 129 people in Paris on Friday. According to RTL Radio, Abaaoud is a 27-year-old from the Molenbeek suburb of Brussels, home to other members of the militant Islamist cell suspected of having carried out the attacks.  REUTERS/Social Media Website via Reuters TVATTENTION EDITORS - THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. REUTERS IS UNABLE TO INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THE AUTHENTICITY, CONTENT, LOCATION OR DATE OF THIS IMAGE. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. THIS PICTURE WAS PROCESSED BY REUTERS TO ENHANCE QUALITY. - RTS7CLF

An undated photograph of a man described as Abdelhamid Abaaoud that was published in the Islamic State’s online magazine Dabiq and posted on a social media website. A Belgian national in Syria and was believed to be one of Islamic State’s most active operators is suspected of being behind attacks in Paris  (REUTERS)

In 2015, the U.S. government estimated that roughly one in five of the aspiring American foreign fighters had been killed in the theater of war. But to-date, there are no precise numbers of how many were killed abroad and how many may have evaded into other countries to continue their cause — leaving the whereabouts of many unknown, with the potential of rebounding stateside.

The Soufan report also points out that a group which falls outside the definition of “returnee” figures are those people who have been stopped on their way to Syria or Iraq, either by their own authorities or those in a transit country.

“The members of this group will pose a particular problem as they had geared themselves up to join the caliphate only to be frustrated,” the report noted. “They will have all the fire and enthusiasm of a new recruit but none of the dampening experience of real life and death in the caliphate.”

REBUILDING RAQQA: SHOULD U.S TAXPAYERS PAY TO REBUILD THE RUINED FORMER ISIS STRONGHOLD?

A spokesperson for the FBI acknowledged to Fox News that “tracking those overseas who have fought on the battlefield is difficult,” and that they do not have firm numbers of “how many surrendered, were killed or remain unaccounted for,” but said that 300 Americans have “traveled or attempted to travel to Syria and Iraq to participate in the conflict” — which includes those who have joined other armed groups, such as the U.S.-backed YPG, Peshmerga or Free Syrian Army.

“While this number is lower in comparison to many of our international partners, we closely analyze and assess the influence groups like ISIS have on individuals located in the United States, who are inspired to commit acts of violence,” the official said. “Our number one priority is protecting the United States and our interests from terrorist attacks.”

“Of the approximate 300 U.S. fighters, according to counterterrorism statistics, approximately 40 died after traveling to Iraq or Syria, and that there is “only one known instance of a fighter returning from Syria to the U.S. and allegedly plotting an attack.”

Still, some analysts have expressed concern.

This undated image posted on a militant website is said by his parents to be British teen Talha Asmal. Family of the 17 year-old who reportedly killed himself in a suicide bombing in Iraq say they are devastated by his death.

This undated image posted on a militant website is said by his parents to be British teen Talha Asmal. Family of the 17 year-old who reportedly killed himself in a suicide bombing in Iraq say they are devastated by his death.

“America does not strip the citizenship of those who join ISIS, so we can’t prevent them from coming home,” said national security expert Ryan Mauro, from the Clarion Project. “A lot of these returning ISIS recruits are likely disillusioned with the caliphate, but we must not mistake disappointment with a rejection of jihadist thinking overall.”

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Suresh
Suresh
6 years ago

Now even the Left/liberal Loon in CANADA seems to agree that TRUMP was Right http://bit.ly/2wy0R3s

WHILE Trump is getting Mc Mastered into following obama’s failed policies on Islam and jihad.

famouswolf
famouswolf
6 years ago
Reply to  Suresh

Not likely.

Pray Hard
Pray Hard
6 years ago
Reply to  famouswolf

It’s already happened.

famouswolf
famouswolf
6 years ago
Reply to  Pray Hard

No, it hasn’t.
The idea that McMasters, or anyone for that matter, ‘influences’ DJT is ridiculous on the face of it. Not only not likely, as John Wayne would say, ‘that’ll be the day’.
My guess is that McMasters is like Kelly, going to get trashed just because…well, I suppose you guys have a reason, or what you think are reasons. I’ve read your and Suresh’s posts, and I think you are sincere. However, backbiting the only guy actually doing something isn’t going to be very productive.
Meanwhile as usual DJT will keep on making lemonade out of lemons. McMasters ain’t the boss.

marlene
marlene
6 years ago
Reply to  famouswolf

I totally agree with YOU!

CHARLES S
CHARLES S
6 years ago
Reply to  famouswolf

Want to know the truth about McMaster? Read the above post.

famouswolf
famouswolf
6 years ago
Reply to  CHARLES S

Right. I think I’ll let DJT decide who to fire and hire.
I doubt you or Dorrie, or people like Bannon for that matter have the absolute truth about McMasters or Kelly or any of the rest. He has something that makes him useful to DJT’s agenda, and having to deal with something directly tends to change the landscape. That’s really all I need to know at a distance. I don’t defend or attack McMasters…both are a waste of time.
That’s all I’ve got to say about that.

CHARLES S
CHARLES S
6 years ago
Reply to  famouswolf

What I posted is NOT my “personal” opinion since I don’t personally know him nor ever served under him. The article posted is from those that “personally”know and served under him.

famouswolf
famouswolf
6 years ago
Reply to  CHARLES S

Then don’t treat it like the unvarnished truth! Gaslighting is very prevalent these days, and it’s hard to get at the truth. What DJT has done and what he is trying to do makes him trustworthy, imo, and he’s like an island of calm in a raging storm to me.
That means trusting him in who he hires and/or chooses to work with. McMaster obviously brings something to the table that DJT finds worthwhile to put up with any downsides, and that is enough for me.
Besides, one thing I have noticed is that DJT thinks long term, several moves ahead.

CHARLES S
CHARLES S
6 years ago
Reply to  famouswolf

OMG…..get a grip, famouswolf….
If you don’t like my comments, then just ignore them. GET A LIFE, complainer!!

famouswolf
famouswolf
6 years ago
Reply to  CHARLES S

Get a life yourself, drama queen. Spare us your stupidity.

famouswolf
famouswolf
6 years ago
Reply to  CHARLES S

YOU ignore MY posts. I have utterly no interest in what you have to say.

santashandler
santashandler
6 years ago

Gee, the FBI can’t account for hundreds of Americns gone off to fight for ISIS but, they sure got a handle on deleting cell phone pictures and videos from the most deadly terrorist attack ever on U.S. soil. Hmm. And yet, they seem to know many of them joined ‘Peshmerga, the Free Syrian Army, or the YPG.’ But….they are still ‘unaccounted for. Another hmm.

“America does not strip the citizenship of those who join ISIS, so we can’t prevent them from coming home,” said national security expert Ryan Mauro, from the Clarion Project.” Well, seems like that’s EXACTLY what the U.S. government should be doing. Everyone found to be fighting for ISIS, should have their citizenship immediately removed upon their attempt to return to the U.S.

marlene
marlene
6 years ago
Reply to  santashandler

That’s right. They know where WE are every moment of the day.

mztore
mztore
6 years ago
Reply to  santashandler

“129 fighters succeeded in leaving the country and only seven have returned.” Do we dare to hope that the other 122 have been KIA?

Voytek Gagalka
Voytek Gagalka
6 years ago

Do not worry! We have such “expert” on Islam like Gen. McMaster who will certainly handle extremely well any problem with them, perhaps even personally give them sanctuary and a special “recital” on how mislead they were to join ISIS which, as everybody knows, has absolutely nothing to do with Islam, blah, blah, blah. ⸮

santashandler
santashandler
6 years ago
Reply to  Voytek Gagalka

Yes, McMaster can even have those former fighters hired on as “consultants” to the Pentagon, since they all know soo much. Then, McMaster can turn that info over to the commanders in the field in Syria and Afghanistan and watch more of our troops get slaughtered because of it.

Pray Hard
Pray Hard
6 years ago

Apparently, we’re as stupid as the Euros, Canadians and Aussies. We’ll pay for it in blood.

Pray Hard
Pray Hard
6 years ago

Ban Islam. Deport all moslems. Execute those who resist. Destroy all mosques and qurans. Stop all moslem invasion.

David Glynn
David Glynn
6 years ago
Reply to  Pray Hard

Sounds harsh but it’s the only way.
The Buddhist of Burma have proven that direct and severe action works.
PRAY FOR WAR!

Mahou Shoujo
Mahou Shoujo
6 years ago

When there is insurrection in the streets, it will be an opportunity to identify and dispose of those involved in such treason. Shooting them on sight will work, no repeat offenders.

santashandler
santashandler
6 years ago
Reply to  Mahou Shoujo

So simple of a concept yet, the geniuses in the FBI and other similar places can’t, or won’t come up with that.

Mahou Shoujo
Mahou Shoujo
6 years ago
Reply to  santashandler

Willful ignorance is one of the many legacies of the obimbo administration..

Drew the Infidel
Drew the Infidel
6 years ago

And these are the same government Customs agents who track my every move when I walk across the bridge at El Paso to a Juarez cathouse and back?

marlene
marlene
6 years ago

Yep. The treasonous problem is that the FBI is tracking US and not our enemies. Their plans are more than suspicious.

marlene
marlene
6 years ago

“…sparking fears” AND suspicions.

TRex
TRex
6 years ago

Apparently we can’t even get rid of Linda Sarsour . Sad .

David Glynn
David Glynn
6 years ago

The british mp Rory Stewart is the only voice of reason: best to just shoot them!

CHARLES S
CHARLES S
6 years ago

Truth about McMaster:In 2005, then-Colonel H.R. McMaster led the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment (3rd ACR) in the largest of these offensives, Operation Restoring Rights. His reputation as a brilliant military strategist rests largely on the results of that one battle. Given the widespread support for McMaster in the media and Washington establishment, it is ironic that current reporting largely fails to mention this battle or McMaster’s central role in it.
McMaster’s widely-hyped strategic acumen has been called into question by high-level military sources with personal knowledge of his conduct in the field. These sources spoke with me on condition of anonymity. McMaster rests his laurels on the counter-insurgency strategy he claims won the Battle of Tal Afar, Iraq. But sources say McMaster ignored counter-insurgency experts and that his reckless leadership killed between 70 and 85* Americans and almost lost the battle. The battle, the sources say, was won only through a valiant rescue mission during which most of those casualties occurred.*
Until today this information has been suppressed.

National Security Advisor McMaster is facing sustained criticism for his seemingly relentless opposition to Trump policies, his purging of many competent, conservative Trump loyalists from the National Security Council staff, and “protecting and coddling” 40 Obama holdovers — almost one-sixth of the NSC staff — who are plainly out to sabotage the Trump agenda.
Yet he continues to enjoy President Trump’s support. Is President Trump reluctant to fire McMaster for fear of criticism? Has he decided that McMaster’s reputed military genius is worth the cost? Or has he been thoroughly misinformed about McMaster’s character and competence?
Who is H.R. McMaster really?
McMaster is a career Army officer still on active duty. He came to the Trump administration as a quick replacement for Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn (Ret.), who resigned over controversies regarding his contacts with Russian officials. Whatever Flynn may have done wrong, his true sin was bucking the D.C. establishment, including many military leaders. And as frequently happens in Washington, when a strong conservative political appointee faces widespread (often manufactured) controversy, the
knee-jerk reaction is to find a replacement the establishment likes.
McMaster fits the bill.

On the surface, he appears to have the right resume. He has been awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, the Legion of Merit and other medals, although John Kerry and many others have proved there are ways to get these medals without earning them. Most of this acclaim comes out of his service at the Battle of 73 Easting (1991), where in 23 minutes, McMaster’s nine M1A1 Abrams tanks and 12 Bradley Fighting Vehicles destroyed 30 Iraqi tanks and 14 armored vehicles. McMaster has been given credit for quick thinking and aggressive action, but his unit faced off against obsolete Iraqi T-55 and T-72 tanks operated by troops with inferior training. His unit was part of a larger operation that experienced similar success, ultimately destroying 85 tanks, 40 personnel carriers, and over 30 other vehicles. As George Dvorsky observes: “the [Republican Guard] didn’t have a chance.”

There is more, way too much to post, but I think you get the idea of who this ‘imposter’ really is.

See my last post on McMaster..

CHARLES S
CHARLES S
6 years ago

1997 book, Dereliction of Duty: Lyndon Johnson, Robert McNamara, The Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Lies that Led to Vietnam, McMaster enjoys a reputation as something of a maverick, a fact
which perhaps found favor in the unorthodox Trump administration. The book has been described
as “the seminal work on military’s responsibility during Vietnam to confront their civilian bosses when strategy was not working.”

But, as noted above, McMaster’s reputation rests largely on the counterinsurgency (COIN) strategy applied at Tal Afar. It was later hailed by President George W. Bush, who said it, “gives me confidence in our strategy because in this city we see the outlines of the Iraq that we and the Iraqi people have been fighting for…” For once, the media agreed with Bush, published glowing reports
on McMaster’s feats. Mother Jones and the Washington Post called him the “Hero of Tal Afar.” The left-leaning Slate.com calls him “the Army’s smartest officer.”
Now leftists are coming out of the woodwork to defend McMaster against his conservative critics. Newsweek accuses the “alt-right” of attempting to smear McMaster, while genuine slime merchants like Media Matters for America are smearing his critics.
He is even being defended by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the propaganda arm of the Palestinian terrorist group HAMAS.
Okay, wait a minute.
When reflexively anti-American, anti-military outlets like Mother Jones, Slate and the Washington Post offer fawning praise for a Republican military commander, the reasons underlying those plaudits deserve further investigation. When anti-American, anti-military, George Soros-funded, extreme leftist smear operations like Media Matters go to war to defend a Trump political appointee, it casts a shadow on everything about the man. When the anti-American, terrorism-supporting,
Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated CAIR defends an American general, the alarm bells drown out all other sound. And officers who have witnessed his “leadership” in the unforgiving crucible of combat are now sounding the alarm.

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