Daesh to Increase Terrorist Attacks - CENTCOM Commander

CENTCOM Commander Gen. Lloyd Austin claims that Daesh will step up terrorist attacks to draw attention away from its loses in Iraq and Syria.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Daesh will step up terrorist attacks to draw attention away from its loses in Iraq and Syria, US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Gen. Lloyd Austin told reporters.

"We can expect to see more of this type of activity in part because ISIL [Daesh] wants to draw attention away from the growing number of setbacks that he is experiencing," Austin stated on Thursday.

The US general said terrorist attacks, such as recent incidents in Baghdad, Istanbul and Jakarta, would help Daesh produce "image of invincibility."

Lloyd continued that the terrorist group, also known as Daesh, has assumed a defensive posture in Iraq and Syria. He underscored that the terrorists have changed fighting techniques on the ground and their assaults have become less effective.

Earlier on Thursday, at least 10 people were killed in a series of explosions in Jakarta, carried out by several assailants on motorcycles, who were carrying rifles and explosives. Daesh has claimed responsibility for the attack, according to media reports.

Daesh terrorist group is outlawed in many countries around the world, including the United States and Russia.