CNN: Top US general in Middle East says fight against ISIS 'far from over'
The top US general overseeing military operations in the Middle East warned Thursday that despite the terror group's territorial losses the fight against ISIS is "far from over," cautioning that the remnants of the group are positioning themselves for a potential resurgence.
"Reduction of the physical caliphate is a monumental military accomplishment but the fight against ISIS and violent extremism is far from over," Gen. Joseph Votel the commander of US Central Command told the House Armed Services Committee.
Votel acknowledged that the terror group's territory had shrunk from some 34,000 square miles at the height of its power to an area that is currently less than a single square mile in the Syrian town of Baghouz.
But he cautioned that many ISIS fighters have left these last pockets and have dispersed across Syria and Iraq.
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MIDDLE EAST
No pressure to withdraw from Syria by specific date: U.S. general.
Heads bowed to the ground, suspected IS members surrender.
More suspected IS members leave extremist holdout in Syria.
Hundreds of ISIL fighters surrender in Syria's Baghouz: SDF.
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US lawmakers vote to end funding Yemen war.
EU rebukes Saudi Arabia over human rights at UN forum.
Palestinian teen dies in violent border clashes against Israeli troops.
Iran cleric linked to 1988 mass executions to lead judiciary.
ASIA
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UN: 11 million North Koreans need food and kids are stunted.
'Open challenge': North Korea slams US-S Korea military drills.
North Korea defectors worried about safety after inter-Korea summits.
Three Indonesian soldiers killed in fresh Papua violence.
3 killed in attack on Afghan event attended by Karzai. Afghanistan: Explosions target political gathering in Kabul.
Malaysia: Mahathir asks China to define claim on South China Sea.
China ‘exaggerated’ GDP data by 2 percentage points for at least nine years, new study says.
Thailand bans party with Princess Ubolratana Mahidol as candidate ahead of March election.
AFRICA
US general: Troops cuts don’t impact Somalia, Libya missions.
Comoros president survives assassination attempt: campaign chief.
Algeria's Bouteflika warns of 'chaos' ahead of protests against him.
Cameroon separatists to face treason charges.
Tunisia to hold national elections in October and November.
'Alarming' Burkina Faso unrest threatens west African stability.
UN: Burkina Faso facing full-blown humanitarian crisis.
DR Congo president in Kabila power-sharing deal.
Ebola response 'failing in DR Congo'.
EUROPE
Two U.S. citizens deported from Russia, two others in custody.
Ukraine candidate vows ‘prison for life’ for military graft.
Theresa May ‘to quit as PM in the summer’ in bid to stop long-standing enemy Boris Johnson getting the top job.
EU gives 48 hours for Brexit changes to Irish backstop.
Russia fake news law sets out fines for insulting the government. Russia laws ban 'disrespect' of government and 'fake news'.
Germany wants to keep EU naval mission, heads for standoff with Italy.
Germany's Altmaier sees room for maneuver on arms exports.
European Central Bank joins global push to help economy.
Dirty money blacklist? No thanks, say EU states.
French cardinal convicted of covering up sex abuse allegations.
Insta-Monarch: Queen Elizabeth makes first Instagram post.
AMERICAS
The Latest: Manafort sentenced to 47 months in prison.
Canada PM Trudeau defends handling of SNC-Lavalin crisis, admits errors.
House to vote Thursday on anti-Semitism resolution.
Ex-Trump campaign boss Manafort to be sentenced in tax fraud.
Venezuela hit by major blackout, government blames 'sabotage'.
US envoy dismisses military action in Venezuela during prank call.
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German Minister reveals why Guaido wasn't arrested upon his return to Venezuela.
Brazil launches high-risk expedition to protect isolated tribe.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
General says Islamic State a ‘serious generational problem’.
Top general warns ISIS waiting to resurge. Fight against Islamic State 'far from over': US commander.
Trump revokes Obama-era order to report civilian drone deaths.
MoD claim of one civilian death in Isis raids ridiculed.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Run, bull, run. Longest bull market looks to keep going.
European Central Bank joins global push to help economy.
China right to aim to boost consumption: IMF.
Zuckerberg outlines plan for 'privacy-focused' Facebook.
Huawei sues US Government over 'unconstitutional' product ban as trade war heats up.
