ISWAP: UN warns Da'esh remains global threat despite counter-terrorism gains

Crime Diary, International

UNITED NATIONS, New York (NPA) — The United Nations has warned that the Islamic State terrorist group, also known as Da’esh, continues to pose a significant threat to international peace and security despite sustained military and counter-terrorism operations that have weakened its leadership and disrupted its operations in several regions.

The warning was delivered on Wednesday during a briefing to the United Nations Security Council on the 23rd report of the UN Secretary-General on the threat posed by Da’esh, with the organisation urging countries to strengthen international cooperation as the extremist group adapts to new security realities and emerging technologies.

Presenting the report on behalf of Acting Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism, Alexandre Zouev, the Chief of the Office of the Under-Secretary-General, Ms. Oguljeren Niyazberdiyeva, said Da’esh remains resilient despite sustained international pressure.

She noted that while counter-terrorism operations have disrupted the group’s senior leadership and reduced its ability to centrally direct attacks, the organisation has evolved into a more decentralised network with affiliates that continue to share a common ideology and operational objectives.

According to the UN, Da’esh has continued to exploit fragile security environments and protracted armed conflicts to expand its influence, recruit new members and launch attacks.

The report identified Africa as one of the regions facing the most severe terrorist threat, particularly the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin, where Da’esh affiliates have continued to strengthen their operational capabilities and extend their reach.

The United Nations specifically identified the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) as the most active Da’esh affiliate globally, warning that the group has demonstrated an increasing ability to acquire and deploy commercial drone technology in its operations.

The report also highlighted continued security concerns in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mozambique, where Da’esh-linked groups have remained resilient despite sustained military operations, continuing attacks while expanding recruitment and areas of activity.

Turning to the Middle East, the UN observed that Syria’s evolving political and security landscape continues to reshape the terrorist threat.

The report expressed concern over the closure of Al Hawl Camp in February, saying the whereabouts of thousands of former camp residents remain unknown, raising fresh security concerns.

The organisation reiterated the Secretary-General’s call for the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of affected individuals in accordance with international law.

In neighbouring Iraq, however, the report noted that sustained counter-terrorism pressure has significantly degraded Da’esh’s operational capabilities.

The UN cautioned that preserving those gains would require strong institutions, effective justice systems, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, as well as policies that address the conditions capable of fuelling the group’s resurgence.

The report also warned that ISIL-Khorasan remains one of Da’esh’s most capable affiliates in South Asia.

According to the UN, the group has both the intent and capability to support or inspire attacks beyond Afghanistan while exploiting local instability to recruit members and sustain its activities.

Against the backdrop of the evolving threat, the United Nations outlined three priority areas requiring urgent international attention.

First, it stressed that no country can successfully confront terrorism in isolation, calling for stronger international cooperation through intelligence sharing, improved border management, criminal justice collaboration, financial investigations and coordinated cross-border responses.

Secondly, the organisation expressed concern over the growing exploitation of emerging technologies by terrorist groups.

The report warned that Da’esh and its affiliates are increasingly using artificial intelligence, encrypted communications, digital platforms, virtual assets and unmanned aerial systems to support their operations.

It urged governments to strengthen governance frameworks and international cooperation, including partnerships with the private sector, while responsibly harnessing the same technologies to improve counter-terrorism efforts.

The United Nations further emphasised that all counter-terrorism measures must remain firmly anchored in international law, including international human rights, humanitarian and refugee law.

According to the organisation, respect for these legal standards is not only an international obligation but also essential to ensuring that counter-terrorism efforts remain effective, credible and sustainable.

The briefing also highlighted ongoing efforts under the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact, through which UN entities continue to provide coordinated technical assistance and strengthen cooperation in response to the priorities of Member States.

The UN noted that 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, adopted as the international framework for preventing and combating terrorism.

To commemorate the milestone, the Office of Counter-Terrorism organised Counter-Terrorism Week at UN Headquarters between June 26 and July 2, bringing together more than 1,000 participants, including government representatives, UN agencies, regional organisations, civil society groups, victims and survivors of terrorism, youth representatives and private sector stakeholders.

The event also coincided with the ninth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, during which Member States reaffirmed their commitment to a comprehensive, balanced and integrated approach to combating terrorism.

Looking ahead, the United Nations warned that the threat posed by Da’esh will continue to evolve and called for sustained international cooperation, stronger preventive measures and responses rooted in the rule of law.

“The threat posed by Da’esh will continue to evolve. Our collective response must evolve with it,” Niyazberdiyeva told the Security Council, reaffirming the UN’s commitment to supporting Member States through coordinated assistance, multilateral cooperation and full respect for international law.