By Anjali Sharma

UNITED NATIONS- Head of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism Vladimir Voronkov,on Wednesday briefed the members of the UNSC and told that the threat posed by the terrorist group ISIL known more widely in the Middle East as Da’esh remains dynamic and diverse, with Africa currently experiencing the highest level of activity worldwide.

He noted that the multiple Da’esh leaders have perished in the past few years, “the group has managed to retain its operational capacity”.  

Da’esh makes use of regional and domestic affiliates and continues to receive substantial global donations, operating through regional hubs and cross-border financial networks.  

Vladimir Voronkov said that the threat the extremist group poses is notably exacerbated in Africa’s Sahel region, where ISIL affiliates such as Islamic State West Africa Province have emerged as prolific producers of terrorist propaganda, which continues to attract foreign recruits.

He noted that despite significant national and international efforts to counter Da’esh which rose to prominence in 2014 after taking over large parts of Iraq and Syria is still pose threat, underscored the urgency of sustained global cooperation.  

In Afghanistan, ISIL-Khorasan continues to represent one of the most serious threats to Central Asia and beyond, with the group continuing to target civilians, while exploiting discontent with the de facto authorities in the country.  

Da’esh remains active in Iraq and Iraq despite the military defeats in Mosul and Raqqa in 2017 – attempting to restore its operational capacity in the Badia region and renewing efforts to destabilize local authorities, Vladimir Voronkov said.

In Syria, the situation remains fragile since the takeover led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, ISIL continues to exploit security gaps, conduct covert operations and incite sectarian tensions in the country.  

“The security, humanitarian and human rights situation in the camps and other facilities in the northeast of Syria remains deeply concerning,” said Mr. Voronkov.  

Camps such as al-Hol are currently hosting tens of thousands of individuals, primarily women and children many with alleged ties to ISIL who remain in prolonged detention under unsafe and undignified conditions.

He said that these environments present serious risks of radicalization to terrorism and are contrary to obligations under international law”.  

Mr. Voronkov called for the “safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of all concerned individuals, with a particular focus on children.”  

Elisa de Anda Madrazo, President of close UN-partner the Financial Action Task Force told the members of the Council  “There is a marked increase in the inter linkage of diverse methods and the integration of digital technologies with conventional techniques.  

The use of new and emerging technologies and artificial intelligence by Da’esh remains a growing challenge, notably as the group is increasingly employing these tools to raise funds and establish a broader communications network.  

Nathalia Gherman, head of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate said “As we stand at the crossroads of technological transformation and geopolitical uncertainty, the threat of terrorism is more diffuse and complex.”

Mr. Voronkov said “Prevention remains our best response to terrorism and violent extremism conducive terrorism.”

He emphasized the importance of prioritizing long-term, principled responses that tackle the drivers of terrorism and its enabling conditions.

“It is more effective – and cost efficient – to prevent terrorism than to remedy its impact,” he added.