UN counter terrorism reports Da’esh, affiliates remains threat in conflict zones

Anjali Sharma

GG News Bureau

UNITED NATIONS, 26th Aug. Head of the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee Vladimir Voronkov on Friday addressed the members of the Security Council said that despite successful international counter-terrorism initiatives, the extremist group Da’esh and its affiliates continue to pose a serious threat in conflict zones and neighbouring countries. 

UN counter-terrorism officials presented the latest report on the group, also known as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant which showed that the threat in non-conflict areas remains low. 

Vladimir Voronkov said “This analytical distinction can obscure what is the complex, context- specific and dynamic nature of how these groups operate and evolve and their impact on international peace and security.”

He stressed that countering and preventing terrorism require long-term commitment as well as continued and coordinated efforts.

Mr. Voronkov said the expansion of Da’esh and affiliates in parts of Africa, and the increasing level of violence and threat, remain deeply concerning. 

He noted that the Da’esh affiliate in the Sahel region “is becoming increasingly autonomous” and stepping up attacks in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.  

“The confrontations between this group and an Al-Qaida affiliate in the region, coupled with the uncertain situation after thecoup d’état in Niger, present a complex and multi-faceted challenge,” he added. 

Conflict and instability in Sudan have renewed attention on the presence and activity of Da’esh and other terrorist groups there. 

The attacks have increased in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where some 500 people have been killed in terrorist violence in the volatile eastern region of the DRC 

The situation in Afghanistan is growing increasingly complex, as fears of weapons and ammunition falling in the hands of terrorists are now materializing.  

Vladimir Voronkov said “The operational capabilities of Da’esh’s so-called Khorasan province, sanctioned as ISIL-K, has reportedly increased, with the group becoming more sophisticated in its attacks against the Taliban and international targets”. 

“Moreover, the presence and activity of some 20 different terrorist groups in the country, combined with the repressive measures put in place by the Taliban de facto authorities,

The absence of sustainable development anda dire humanitarian situation, pose significant challenges for the region and beyond.” 

Mr. Voronkov pointed to successful counter-terrorism initiatives by the international community, such as progress in targeting Da’esh finances.  

The report said cash reserves estimated at $25 million to $50 million “are now significantly less and diminishing”, also noted“ sustained attrition” to the group’s leadership, including the killing of its chief earlier this year in Syria. 

“As a result of counter-terrorism efforts, Da’esh has moved to adopt less hierarchical and more networked, decentralised structures, following Al-Qaida’s footsteps, with increased operational autonomy by its affiliated groups,” said Mr. Voronkov.

He underscored that international law “remains the bedrock” for successful counter-terrorism efforts.   

He said initiatives must be “firmly grounded in political strategies for resolving the conflicts that fuel terrorism the most”, “more complementarity” between security responses and preventive measures is also needed. 

He stressed on the upcoming counter-terrorism summit in Nigeria next year, organized by his office and the Government, as an opportunity to both increase international support and address the situation on the continent. 

Natalia Gherman, Executive Director of Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate the secretariat for the Council’s own Counter-Terrorism Committee addressed four key trends in the report. 

She said the efforts by Governments to repatriate their nationals from camps in northeast Syria hosting thousands of people, mainly women and children, with alleged ties to terrorist groups. 

“At the same time, we must also recall the responsibility of Member States to bring terrorists to justice, and to demonstrate international cooperation in efforts to do so,” she said. 

Ms. Gherman said the Da’esh presence in parts of Africa continues to evolve, she highlighted the need for the UN to support countries on the continent. 

She noted that the UN has stepped up efforts to hold Da’esh accountable for its crimes. 

CTED partnered with UN experts on the rule of law to explore criminal justice avenues for sexual and gender-based violence committed by terrorist groups.  

“Drawing from practitioners’ experiences in the field and the perspectives of civil

Society it was clear that only through accountability and justice can we begin to address the fear and devastation that terrorism inflicts on individuals, communities, and nations,” she added.