US envoy in anti-IS battle: ‘perverse caliphate’ shrinking

The Obama administration's diplomatic point man in the international fight against the Islamic State group says the extremists have been losing control over territory and that "this perverse caliphate is shrinking."

Brett McGurk, a presidential envoy to the 66-member anti-IS coalition, told a news conference Sunday that the tide is turning against extremists, both online and on the battle field.

McGurk says Jordan has been contributing by conducting weekly airstrikes, publishing anti-IS propaganda and helping gather intelligence. Jordan borders Iraq and Syria, where IS holds large areas.

The extremists have suffered recent military setbacks and lost territory in both Iraq and Syria.

At the same time, global affiliates of the group appear to have grown in strength and there has been an increase in insurgency-style attacks in Iraq.

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