Militants , who may number up to 40 , are `` increasingly capable , '' U.S. official says . U.S. officials say they think ISIS now has as many as 10,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria -- including those who have broken out of prisons -- and loyalists who have joined the fight as the group has advanced , several U.S. officials have told CNN in recent days . Fight for Baiji oil refinery continues , deputy prime minister for energy affairs says . John Kerry visits Irbil to speak with Kurdish leaders about the U.S. crisis . The Iraq is `` extraordinarily hampered '' without a new Kurdish government , John Kerry says .
Militants , who may number up to 40 , are `` increasingly capable , '' U.S. official says . Fight for Baiji oil refinery continues , deputy prime minister for energy affairs says . John Kerry visits Irbil to speak with Kurdish leaders about the U.S. crisis . The Iraq is `` extraordinarily hampered '' without a new Kurdish government , John Kerry says .