A Christian expert on extremism has said an Islamic State defector's documents which reveal the names and personal details of thousands of IS fighters "could be
Dr Antony McRoy's speaking after the defector approached Sky News with a pen drive containing more than 22,000 files with addresses, phone numbers and family contacts of jihadis who have joined the group.
Nationals from more than 51 countries including the UK filled in a 23-question "registration" form as they were inducted into IS.
Dr McRoy told Premier's News Hour: "If it's genuine, this could be a very great help.
"What the security services will really be looking at would be: where they came from, who their family is, what were the communities, what mosque did they attend, what jobs did they have, what college did they go to, who were there friends or their contacts?
"After all, once these people go out to the Islamic State and stay there, then there's no big issue knowing who they are.
"The Russians and NATO are already bombing them... They're advancing against the Islamic State gradually.
"What particularly in the light of things like the Paris massacre the security services will be looking at is: who are the contacts of these people in the West?"
Listen to Premier's Hannah Tooley speaking to Dr Antony McRoy on the News Hour:
A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference
In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.
Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.
For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.
Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.
Support Us
Article by Aaron James
Tola Mbakwe is a multimedia journalist for Premier.
