CIA: ISIS has 20,000 – 31,500 fighters

The CIA estimates that ISIS has between 20,000 and 31,500 fighters in Iraq and Syria. It was initially estimated there were as many as 10,000 fighters, including those who were freed from prisons by ISIS, and Sunni loyalists who have joined the fight as the group advanced across Iraq.

This new total reflects an increase in members because of stronger recruitment since June following battlefield successes and the declaration of a caliphate, greater battlefield activity, and additional intelligence.