SIS on run despite recent terror attacks: John Kerry

New York : out at the recent terrorist attacks across the world, United States Secretary of State John Kerry has said the attacks reflect that ISIS is “on the run” in Iraq and Syria.

Downplaying attacks like the shooting at an Orlando nightclub, a driver’s rampage through a crowd in Nice and the Istanbul airport attack, Kerry said they don’t reflect the strength of the group in its home bases.

He termed these attacks as “the desperate actions of an enemy that sees the noose closing around them,” reports CNN.

On being asked by CNN’s Jake Tapper about the assertion that ISIS “is on the run” given the recent string of attacks reportedly inspired by them.

Kerry replied, “If people are inspired, they are inspired.But ISIL, which is based in Iraq and Syria, is under huge pressure, and that’s a fact.”

“If you’re saying that one person standing up one day and killing people is an example of ISIS moving in Iraq and Syria, I think you’re dead wrong,” he added.

The Secretary of State said Washington is doing everything in its power to snuff out the ISIS in Iraq and Syria, adding the group has already lost 40-45 percent of the territory which it once held.

When asked whether the U.S could ramp up its military presence there, Kerry pointed to the Congress and said that it hasn’t displayed an appetite to approve new legislation authorizing the use of military force against the ISIS.

“Congress displayed absolutely zero willingness to do that, and if people have a willingness to show that now that has changed, the administration will listen,” he added.

His remarks about the ISIS came as the U.S. intelligence officials have said the terror group isn’t desperate, but is adapting.

A senior administration official has reportedly said the ISIS have made it clear that it was planning to focus on those attacks around the world, although there were no clear indications of when and where that would have provided actionable intelligence to prevent them.

He added that the group is expected to continue going after so-called soft targets such as airports and shopping areas.

ANI