All news

US State Department refutes reports of special envoy for fighting against IS resignation

Commenting on media reports about General John Allen’s possible resignation from the post in November, US State Department spokesperson says he remains at work

WASHINGTON, September 23. /TASS/. US Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) General John Allen so far remains in his post, and there were no statements on his resignation, US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Mark Toner told a press briefing on Tuesday.

Commenting on media reports about Allen’s possible resignation from the post in November, Toner said: "I can say that General Allen remains focused on his duties at the State Department, which is coordinating the coalition efforts against ISIL, and we don’t have any personnel announcements to make regarding his future. He remains at work." Josh Earnest, White House spokesman, also refused to confirm Allen’s departure. "What I can say more generally about General Allen is he is somebody who signed up for a six-month tour, and he’s been on the job for, I believe, more than a year now. So that is an indication of his commitment," Earnest said.

Islamic State extremist organization

The Islamic State is an extremist organization banned in Russia. In 2013-2014, it called itself the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). In June 2014, IS announce the establishment of the "Islamic caliphate" on the territories seized in Iraq and Syria. According to US’ Central Intelligence Agency, the extremist group includes around 30,000 people, while Iraqi authorities claim there are around 200,000 in IS. Among members of the group are citizens of 80 countries, including France, Great Britain, Germany, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, US, Canada, as well as Russia and other CIS countries. According to reports, militants now control around 40% of the Iraqi territory and 50% of the Syrian territory.