U.S. intelligence and military officials say the Islamic State is losing ground in Iraq. “Its momentum has been checked and the group has suffered some notable setbacks during the last couple of months,” a U.S. official told. “Mounting a major comeback to retake lost territory would be challenging under current conditions.” “There appears to be some dissatisfaction in the ranks now, and that could grow if battlefield strains increase,” the official said. “We are seeing anecdotal evidence of resentment and even resistance in those areas that are controlled by ISIL because of their brutal approach to enforcing Sharia,” National Intelligence Director James Clapper said.

“We are seeing anecdotal evidence of resentment and even resistance in those areas that are controlled by ISIL because of their brutal approach to enforcing Sharia,” said Clapper. Clapper said the Islamic State was also running into trouble with finances, seeing profits decline from its illicit oil trade while donations “are tapering off" because of the group’s brutality.

“We shouldn’t confuse tactical success with the strategic changing of the tide.  ISIS still has the strategic initiative,” the former Navy commander, helicopter pilot and Marine Corps infantryman said.  “We’ve done nothing to reduce their heartland territory in Syria.”

U.S. military officials have said coalition airstrikes have hurt the Islamic State’s capabilities, helping the Iraqis gain back 700 to 800 square kilometers of terrain. U.S. intelligence officials believe the group has 20,000 to 32,000 fighters at its disposal, with some analysts saying the true number could be 50,000 or more.  

By Premji