Airstrikes boost Islamic State, FBI director warns more hostages possible

Support for Islamic State increased after U.S. airstrikes began in Iraq and the militant group may take more hostages to try to force concessions from Washington, FBI Director James Comey warned Congress on Wednesday. The group’s ability to attack the U.S. homeland relies in part on its widespread and sophisticated use of social media to radicalize Americans, national security officials told the House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee. The group used these tools as it drew recruits from more than 15,000 foreign fighters in Syria, who may return to their countries “determined to attack us,” said Matt Olsen, director of the National Counterterrorism Center.

[Islamic State and other outfits] may continue to try to capture American hostages in an attempt to force the U.S. government and people into making concessions …

James Comey, FBI director

Also on Wednesday, President Barack Obama vowed that the United States will not fight another ground war in Iraq, seeking to reassure Americans about the level of U.S. involvement after a top general suggested combat troops could be deployed against Islamic State militants. The United States has launched more than 160 airstrikes against Islamic State targets. More than 1,600 American advisers have been dispatched to help Iraqi forces but Obama does not want them to get involved in ground combat because he wants to avoid a repeat of the Iraq War begun by his Republican predecessor, George W. Bush.

As your commander-in-chief, I will not commit you and the rest of our armed forces to fighting another ground war in Iraq.

President Barack Obama

Middle East Islamic State