In an interview with Fox News Channel that aired on Friday’s “Special Report,” Maj. Gen. Joel Voel, commander of Joint Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve, was asked if ISIS was re-establishing itself. “We’re seeing a resurgence of car bombings after a number of years, which means we’re starting to see the emergence of a support group with incredible offensive capability,” he said, adding that potential attacks on Western countries have been thwarted “recently.”
asked Jennifer Griffin, Fox News’ chief national security correspondent. [relevant exchange begins around 2:40] “The number of ISIS attacks in Iraq and Syria [has] This year it has doubled. Is ISIS re-forming?
Voel responded: “We’re seeing a resurgence of car bombings after a multi-year hiatus, which means we’re starting to see the emergence of support forces with stronger offensive capabilities. These smaller tactical attacks, these surprise attacks, are different this year compared to last year.”
Griffin continued: “Do you believe ISIS still has the capability to attack Western countries? For example, is there any evidence they would want to attack the US mainland?”
“That’s right. Of course, if they could attack Western countries in Europe or the continental United States, they would attack. We know that,” Voel replied.
Griffin continued: “Are you still blocking potential ISIS attacks on Western countries?”
Voel replied, “Yes.”
Voel added that potential attacks against Western countries had been thwarted “recently.”
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