(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) Over 200 Americans have attempted to travel to Syria to fight with ISIL, FBI Director James Comey told the Senate Intelligence Committee late on Wednesday.
"While this number is lower in comparison to many of our international partners, we closely analyze and assess the influence groups like ISIL have on individuals located in the United States who are inspired to commit acts of violence," he affirmed.
He added, "We continue to identify individuals who seek to join the ranks of foreign fighters traveling in support." Later in his testimony, Comey spoke on the importance of cyber security and highlighted, "Terrorist groups, such as ISIL, use the Internet to great effect. As a result, foreign terrorist organizations now have direct access into the United States like never before." Recently, an American was contacted by an ISIL supporter who had traveled to Syria and asked them to do the same. The messages were sent over social networking sites and private messaging programs, he addressed.
"These encrypted direct messaging platforms are tremendously problematic when used by terrorist plotters," said Comey.
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