News Digest

Kerry pledges $500m of aid to countries affected by Syria civil war

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry announced on Friday nearly $500 million (£307.5 million) in humanitarian aid for people and countries hit by Syria’s civil war. The aid package includes more than $250 million “to assist refugees and host communities in the neighbouring countries affected by the crisis,” Kerry said in a statement. Some 3 million Syrian refugees have registered in neighbouring countries, according to the United Nations, but many remain trapped by the advance of Islamist militants or are having difficulty reaching open border crossings.

This new total reflects an increase in members because of stronger recruitment since June following battlefield successes and the declaration of a caliphate, greater battlefield activity and additional intelligence.

CIA Spokesperson

The news came as it emerged that the Islamic State (IS) may have as many as 31,500 fighters in Syria and Iraq - three times higher than previously feared, the CIA believes. A review of intelligence reports from May to August estimates the militant group can muster between 20,000 and 31,500 jihadists, up from a previous figure of 10,000, it said. The new total reflects stronger recruitment by IS after its military successes and declaration of a caliphate in Iraq and Syria, said CIA spokesman Ryan Trapani.