The Institute of Foreign Policy Research issued a report warning of an increase in IS attacks in Iraq, Syria and several other countries, such as Afghanistan, Mozambique and the Philippines.

The institute also reported that the IS has reorganized its forces in Iraq and Syria and has formed operating teams to attack Iraqi and Syrian forces.

IS not only has attacked Syrian Kurdish forces east of the Euphrates River, but has warned local residents against co-operation with Syrian Kurdish forces, the report warned.

According to the institute the IS has about 3,000 troops in only Iraq and has increased its attacks in the disputed areas, especially Kirkuk, that both the Kurdish region and the central government in Iraq claim authority over.

IS forces also target Syrian government forces and any entity that is working with the US forces in Syria, the report said.

The institute has warned that IS has used the outbreak of the coronavirus to intensify its activity.

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