USA states that the Islamic State has moved its "treasure" in the west of Iraq

BEIRUT – More than a thousand Islamic State jihadists have fled Syrian strongholds to western Iraq in the past six months, while another 300 have refused to join. return to Baghouz in southeastern Syria.

Meanwhile, Kurdish-Syrian forces, backed by the international coalition, are raking the last bastion of "Islamic states" between the Euphrates River and the Iraqi border.

Among those who managed to escape to neighboring Iraq are the forces of the so-called "caliph" Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. According to US military sources, quoted by CNN, the militia would have won $ 200 million.

In recent days, there has been talk of the existence of 40 tons of gold bullion held by rebel militia entrenched in Baghouz, the last redoubt. It is precisely in Baghouz that the Kurdish forces continue their progress delayed by the presence of explosive traps, snipers and bombs.

We are talking about 300 jihadists hidden in underground tunnels and next to them, there would be an unknown number of civilians, used as "human shields". Even in recent days, hostages, also Westerners, have been mentioned, such as Italian Jesuit Paolo Dall & Oglio, who disappeared in Raqqa in 2013, who would eventually be presented as a safe conduct during the final surrender.

General Joseph Votel, head of the US Central Command, has estimated in recent weeks between 2000 and 3000 fighters of the Islamic State present between Syria and Iraq.

ANSA Agency