ISIS Allegedly Called Intel Ireland to Issue Bomb Threat; U.S.-Led Coalition Destroys More ISIS Targets

An early morning threat allegedly from ISIS supporters has prompted Intel Ireland to evacuate its employees. Authorities said a "credible" bomb threat was received by the multinational company over the phone after 6am.

The unidentified person who called Intel claimed he was with the extremist group ISIS, according to security sources of Independent.ie. The man said there were 12 explosive devices installed in several locations across the Kildare campus. Intel Ireland has about 4,000 employees in its Leixlip plant.

Local media said it was not known how many people were in the facility when the alleged ISIS bomber called. However, restaurants near the area have employees waiting for updates about the threat. Authorities are conducting an investigation with a thorough search of facility to check for suspicious devices. Intel Ireland later posted on Twitter that the security alert in the Leixlip campus was over and employees were now back to work.

Meanwhile, efforts to eradicate ISIS militants in Iraq and Syria continue with U.S.-led coalition forces bombing extremist targets. In Washington, U.S. President Barack Obama told Republicans in Congress that he is willing to work with them regarding the text of legislation to authorise a U.S. military operation against ISIS. The issue has set the stage for a debate over the use of boots on the ground in Iraq and Syria, the New York Times reported.

Mr Obama was told by congressional Republicans to make an official request to authorise the military assault against ISIS. In August, the president had launched air assaults to fight ISIS, invoking his power as commander-in-chief. During that time, the White House had advised that Mr Obama did not need to seek approval from Congress, a move that attracted criticism from some members of both parties. The president said in November that he was ready to involve Congress on the issue.

The U.S.-led coalition has launched a total 27 air strikes on areas controlled by ISIS militants. In the past 24 hours, coalition forces have conducted about 11 air strikes on ISIS-held territories in Syria including Deir Ezzour and Kobane. The latest assault in Kobane hit two big militant units, Al Arabiya reported. The operation report said the strikes had destroyed five ISIS buildings.

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