Written question asked by Marquess of Lothian (Conservative) on Monday, 10 September 2018, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 September 2018. It was answered by Earl Howe (Conservative) on Monday, 24 September 2018 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Middle East: Islamic State

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their estimate of the number of IS fighters who remain in (1) Syria, and (2) Iraq; and what is their assessment of the threat those fighters pose.

Answer: Daesh has lost over 99% of the territory it once held in Iraq and Syria and the Coalition assesses there are currently not enough Daesh fighters remaining in Iraq and Syria to make any further significant territorial gains. However, Daesh has dispersed into a cellular structure in order to maintain some form of insurgency activity, including through extortion, planting improvised explosive devices, kidnapping and mounting terrorist attacks. As part of the Global Coalition, the UK subscribes to this assessment and aims to remove any opportunity for Daesh to pose a threat to the security of Iraq, the UK and our allies.

Secondary information