The threat posed by the terrorist group ISIL- more widely known in the Middle East as Da’esh, remains dynamic and diverse, with Africa currently experiencing the highest level of activity worldwide.
While multiple Da’esh leaders have been killed in recent years, “the group has managed to retain its operational capacity,” Vladimir Voronkov, head of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), told the Security Council on Wednesday.
Da’esh operates through regional and domestic affiliates, continues to receive substantial global donations, and functions via regional hubs and cross-border financial networks.
The threat is especially severe in Africa’s Sahel region, where ISIL affiliates such as the Islamic State West Africa Province have become prolific producers of terrorist propaganda, attracting foreign recruits.
In spite of significant national and international efforts to counter Da’esh, which rose to prominence in 2014 after seizing large parts of Iraq and Syria, the continuing threat underscores the urgency of sustained global cooperation.
In Afghanistan, ISIL-Khorasan remains one of the most serious threats to Central Asia and beyond, targeting civilians and exploiting discontent with the country’s de facto authorities.
Meanwhile, Da’esh remains active in Iraq and Syria despite military defeats in Mosul and Raqqa in 2017. The group is attempting to rebuild its operational capacity in Iraq’s Badia region and renewing efforts to destabilize local authorities.
In Syria, where the situation remains fragile since the takeover by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, ISIL continues to exploit security gaps, conduct covert operations, and incite sectarian tensions.
“The security, humanitarian and human rights situation in camps and other facilities in northeast Syria remains deeply concerning,” Voronkov said.
Camps such as al-Hol currently host tens of thousands of individuals, primarily women and children, many with alleged ties to ISIL, who remained in prolonged detention under unsafe and undignified conditions.
“These environments present serious risks of radicalisation to terrorism and are contrary to obligations under international law,” he added, calling for the “safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of all concerned individuals, with a particular focus on children.”
Elisa de Anda Madrazo, President of the Financial Action Task Force, a close UN partner, highlighted the increasing integration of digital technologies with conventional terrorist methods.
“There is a marked increase in the interlinkage of diverse methods and the integration of digital technologies with conventional techniques,” she told ambassadors.
“The use of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence by Da’esh remains a growing challenge, particularly as the group employs these tools to raise funds and expand its communications network.
“As we stand at the crossroads of technological transformation and geopolitical uncertainty, the threat of terrorism is more diffuse and complex,” said Nathalia Gherman, head of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED).
“Prevention remains our best response to terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism,” Voronkov emphasized.
He stressed the importance of long-term, principled approaches that address the root drivers and enabling conditions of terrorism.
“It is more effective—and cost-efficient—to prevent terrorism than to remedy its impact,” he said.
