The spy chiefs broke with President Donald Trump in their assessments of the threats posed by North Korea, Iran and Syria. They described an array of economic, military and intelligence threats, from highly organized efforts by China to scattered disruptions by terrorists, activists and transnational criminals. The intelligence officials said they had protected the 2018 US congressional elections from outside interference, but expected renewed and likely more sophisticated attacks on the 2020 presidential contest. Coats also said Islamic State would continue to pursue attacks from Syria, as well as Iraq, against regional and Western adversaries, including the United States. Coats said intelligence officials have been travelling around the United States and meeting with corporate executives to discuss espionage threats from China.

Source: Dhaka Tribune January 30, 2019 16:41 UTC