The Pentagon may have doctored intelligence reports regarding the offensive against the Islamic State (ISIS) in order to show better results, according to a new report.
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New York Times story reports the Pentagon's inspector general is looking into claims the documents were altered before being given to President Barack Obama and other government officials.
A civilian contractor, reports the Times, initially told authorities about the assessments being changed by officials at United States Central Command, known as CENTCOM. The report does not specify who at CENTCOM made the changes and when.
The investigation is apparently looking at whether draft reports were changed before being passed up the military food chain.
The U.S.-led offensive against ISIS began last summer. Status reports from the field have varied.
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government report released this month claimed the military campaign against the terror group in Iraq and Syria is disjointed and disorganized, while Lt. Gen. Robert Neller — the Pentagon's nominee to lead the Marine Corps — recently told the Senate Armed Services Committee the
fight against ISIS is "in a stalemate right now."
Retired Air Force Gen. Michael Hayden, meanwhile,
told Newsmax TV two weeks ago the ISIS offensive is "under-resourced and over-regulated."
According to
Fox News, CENTCOM spokesman Col. Patrick S. Ryder would not comment directly on the inspector general's investigation into the alleged doctored reports.
"While we cannot comment on ongoing investigations, we can speak to the process and about the valued contributions of the Intelligence Community (IC)," Ryder said. "However, it is ultimately up to the primary agency or organization whether or not they incorporate any recommended changes or additions. Further, the multi-source nature of our assessment process purposely guards against any single report or opinion unduly influencing leaders and decision-makers."
Several agencies contribute to the military reports regarding ISIS, including the CIA and the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).
Last week, it was reported that a U.S.
drone strike killed the No. 2 man within the ISIS hierarchy, Fadhil Ahmad al-Hayali.
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CENTCOM press release from earlier this month claimed there have been around 6,000 airstrikes on ISIS targets since Operation Inherent Resolve began a year ago. The military estimates the ISIS force to be around 20,000 strong.
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CNN report in June claimed there had been roughly 13,000 ISIS fighters killed in the offensive.
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