WASHINGTON, October 28 (RIA Novosti) – The Unites States is examining the claims that Islamic State (IS) militants could possess modern anti-aircraft missile systems that can down passenger jets, Spokesperson for the US Department of State Jen Psaki said.
According to German media reports, the German foreign intelligence agency BND reportedly briefed the country's parliament at the end of last week on the new threat coming from the violent IS grouping, which is believed to be in possession of MANPADS, a type of portable surface-to-air systems.
"We're assessing these claims. There's clearly significant potential threat to aviation operating in Iraqi and Syrian airspace due to ongoing fighting," Psaki said Monday.
The US Department of State spokesperson stressed that Washington has no "confirmation of this [that IS possess Manpads] at this time".
The Islamic State, which is a Sunni jihadi group, has been fighting the Syrian government since 2012. In June 2014, it launched an offensive in Iraq, seizing vast areas in both countries and announcing the establishment of an Islamic caliphate on the territories under its control.
This prompted a US-led air campaign against Islamic insurgents in August. Airstrikes have slowed down the IS advance, though IS still controls swathes of land in northern Iraq and Syria.
