As the ISIS militants are threatening to capture the whole of northern Iraq, the United States - which is still evaluating options on sending combat troops to the ground - have serious reasons to worry about the rising power of the notorious group in Iraq.
Republicans in the US are sounding alarms that another 9/11-type terror attack could be planted from the regions of Iraq and Syria which are currently reeling from the bloodshed and arbitrary seizures of towns and cities in the country, with Baghdad circled as their next target.
The ISIS, having captured cities like Tikrit and Mosul, is eyeing to topple the capital city. As the group grows in power and strength, experts are of the opinion that the trend could possibly pose a threat to the US as well.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. has warned that the next 9/11-type attack could emanate from Iraq and Syria, if the United States refuse to take steps to swiftly halt the militants marching towards Baghdad.
"We need air power immediately to stop the advance towards Baghdad," Graham said in CBS' 'Face the Nation' Sunday, warning that the al-Qaeda breakaway militants could take control of the entire northern half of the country and also start marching towards Jordan and Lebanon, while Iran possibly will take control of the south.
Graham also revealed, citing warnings from the director of national intelligence and the head of the FBI, that the militants have promised to carry out the next 9/11-like attacks on the US soil soon.
"I think it's inevitable. The seeds of 9/11 are being planted all over Iraq and Syria. You don't have to believe me, this is what they're telling you they're gonna do (sic)," he said adding, "They're not hiding their agenda. They want an Islamic caliphate... They plan to drive us out of the Mideast by attacking us here at home."
Though not many are of the opinion that such an attack is immediately possible, experts say that the United States does not know yet what the group's real potential is, especially if they succeed in capturing key areas. While the US may not need to fear a large scale attack immediately, the fact that a new terrorist movement is emerging swiftly, and with all the aggression necessary, cannot be negated.
Some indications of such a danger materializing was reflected by the Daily Beast's recent report. It claims Army Col. Kenneth King, who was the commanding officer of a US detention camp in Iraq, was threatened by the current ISIS head Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, when he was released from the biggest US detention camp in Iraq in 2009.
"I will see you guys in New York," the jihadist leader reportedly told the officer.
On Tuesday, the United States announced that it is deploying up to 275 military personnel to Iraq to provide security to the US embassy in Baghdad and other important personnel but there was no confirmation on sending any combat troops as such.
