From Washington, this is VOA News.
I’m Ira Mellman reporting.
There could be a major breakthrough in the fight against ISIS…
Stolen files reportedly containing personal data on 22,000 foreign members of the Islamic State militant group are in the possession of German authorities. That (is) according to German police.
The files could aid in tracking down and prosecuting members of the militant group, according to the German Interior Minister.
Earlier, Britain's Sky News reported that files detailing names, contact information, places of origin and recruitment information of jihadists were obtained by the broadcaster from a disillusioned former fighter.
The man - who identified himself to Sky News as Abu Hamed - said he stole a memory stick containing the files from the head of Islamic State's internal security police. He says he quit the terrorist organization because it no longer followed Islamic rules. Hamed told a Sky News reporter he hoped the files would help bring down the organization.
Questions, however, are being raised about the authenticity of the documents. Analysts told the French news agency the files contained inconsistencies, noting unusual language and logos in the documents that are usually the mark of forgeries.
German police are currently evaluating the files.
Authorities in Pakistan say security forces have arrested 14 suspected militants linked to the Afghan Taliban in the southwestern city of Quetta.
The detainees are being questioned and more information will be shared with media, but it is not known if the high-profile ((Taliban)) leaders are among them. Security officials told VOA that today on condition of anonymity.
Officials said law enforcement agencies, acting on a tip, picked up the men from the city's eastern area.
This is VOA News.
Words in This Newscast
breakthrough – n. a sudden or important development
ISIS – n. short name for Islamic State of Iraq and Syria
file – n. a collection of records
data – n. information that is produced or stored by a computer
authorities – n. officials
according – adv. as stated by or in
tracking down – v. looking for and finding
prosecuting – v. taking legal action
origin – n. the place where someone or something begins
recruitment – adj. of or related to adding new members to a population or group
jihadist – n. a Muslim who supports or takes part in action against non-believers
obtained – v. to get control of
disillusioned – adj. dissatisfied with someone or something
internal – adj. of or relating to the inside of something
quit – v. to resign; to leave permanently
authenticity – n. the quality of being real
analyst – n. observer
inconsistency – adj. the quality of not being in agreement; not happening at the same time or in the same way
logo – n. a sign that is used to identify a business
forgery – n. copy
evaluating – v. studying; examining
high-profile – adj. well known; famous; notable
anonymity – n. the quality of being unknown to most people
tip – n. a piece of useful information; a clue
picked up – v. detained
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