“Da’esh and its affiliates continue to exploit conflict dynamics, governance and inequality factors to incite, plan and organize terrorist attacks,” the head of The UN anti-terrorist organization Vladimir Voronkov said. report.
They have also exploited the limitations of the pandemic, abused the digital space to recruit sympathizers, and have “significantly increased” the use of drone systems, as reported in the north. Iraq.
Hierarchical structure, methods
In charting Da’esh’s expansion across Iraq, Syria, and through parts of Africa that until recently had been largely unattacked, Mr. Voronkov attributes their success in part to their structure. decentralized architecture centered around a “province general manager” and linked “Office”.
These forces operate in both Iraq and Syria, as well as outside of the core conflict zone – particularly in Afghanistan, Somalia and the Lake Chad basin.
Better understanding and monitoring, including through global and regional cooperation, is essential to counter the threat.
Vulnerabilities around the world
Providing an overview, Mr. Voronkov said that the border between Iraq and Syria remains very vulnerable, with an estimated 10,000 fighters operating in the area.
In April, the group launched a global campaign to avenge senior leaders killed in counterterrorism operations.
While the number of attacks claimed or linked to local Da’esh has decreased in Afghanistan, since the Taliban took control last year, its presence has expanded into the northeast. and east of the country.
In Europe, Da’esh has called on sympathizers to carry out attacks by exploiting the easing of restrictions on the pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine.
Africa sitting on a cross chair
Meanwhile, in Africa, the senior United Nations official described the expansion of Da’esh across the central, southern and western regions of the continent.
From Uganda, one branch has expanded its operations into the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while another – after being defeated by military action in 2021 – has stepped up small-scale attacks in Cabo Delgado province of Mozambique.
The expansion has even affected coastal states in the Gulf of Guinea, which have previously been free of violence.
Manage millions
Financially, Mr. Voronkov said Da’esh leaders manage assets between $25 million and $50 million, significantly less than estimated three years ago.
However, the diversity of both licite and illicit sources underscores the importance of sustained efforts to cut terrorist financing.
While welcoming the recent repatriations of Iraq, Tajikistan and France, he expressed concern that limited progress has been made so far in the repatriation of foreign terrorist fighters and family members. their “overshadowed by the number of individuals still facing precariousness and deterioration”.
Terrorism does not exist in a vacuum – UN counter-terrorism official
Call for repatriation of foreign fighters
Tens of thousands of individuals – including more than 27,000 children – from Iraq and some 60 other countries still face enormous security challenges and humanitarian challenges.
The head of the counter-terrorism force reiterated the Secretary-General’s call to Member States to make greater efforts in facilitating the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of all. those still trapped in camps and other facilities.
“Terrorism does not exist in a vacuum,” said Weixiong Chen, Acting CEO of Executive Committee of the Anti-Terrorism Committeewas established in 2001 following the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States.
Describing the achievements, he said that the Executive Board, a special political mandate, was able to resume on-site review visits after two years of using virtual and mixed formats created by COVID-19 pandemic.
Among other efforts, his team produced a report that compiled extensive consultations with African civil society groups on ISIL-related trends in Africa, as well as research on link between counter-terrorism frameworks and international humanitarian law.
Finally, he called for a comprehensive, coordinated “All of the United Nations” approach tailored to age and gender, while adhering to human rights, as the only way to avert the terrorist threat. global father like Da’esh.
