Germany's Heiko Maas warns of growing influence of ISIS

Ahead of a global summit in Rome on combating the "Islamic State," the German foreign minister said the militant group "has been pushed back, but not defeated." (PIC-UNI)

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on Monday warned that the "Islamic State" (IS) militant group was gaining influence beyond Iraq and Syria, where it originated. 

"The IS in Iraq and Syria has been pushed back, but not defeated," Maas said, noting the militant group's increasing terrorist activity in Afghanistan and Africa. 

The German top diplomat's remarks came ahead of a summit with his counterparts in a coalition against IS. 

What is on the summit's agenda? 

The US-led coalition is convening in Rome on Monday to discuss strategies to combat terrorism. 

"In Rome, we will make it clear: We will not allow the terrorists an inch, even in Africa," Maas said. 

Foreign ministers of the 83-country coalition were set to address the fight against terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq, as well as in Africa and Afghanistan. 

According to media reports, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab plans to pledge €14.7 million ($17.53 million) toward the fight against IS. 

The anti-IS Global Coalition has previously launched missions in Syria and Iraq. The German military, the Bundeswehr, has around 250 soldiers training Iraqi armed forces.

How active is the 'Islamic State'?

In 2019, IS lost its last stronghold in eastern Syria. However, the group is still active in Syria and Iraq.

At least 30 people died in an attack in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, in January. Earlier this month, the group claimed responsibility for an attack that left 10 people dead in Afghanistan.

Militants affiliated with the group also operate in other regions, including Afghanistan, Yemen, Egypt's North Sinai and West Africa. (AFP, dpa)