Da'esh Threat Assessment: Conflict Zones vs Non-Conflict Areas | Security Council | United Nations

Briefing the Security Council members on Friday (25 Aug), the Under-Secretary-General for the United Nations Office of Counterterrorism, Vladimir Voronkov, said that the Da’esh, also known as ISIL, terrorist organization is still a “serious threat in conflict zones and neighboring countries.”

However, added Voronkov, the threat level “remains low” in non-conflict areas.

For the Under-Secretary-General, “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.”

Voronkov informed that “in parts of Africa, the continued expansion of Da’esh and affiliated groups, as well as the increasing level of violence and threat, remains deeply concerning” and that “beyond Africa, the situation in Afghanistan is growing increasingly complex, with fears of weapons and ammunition falling in the hands of terrorists now materializing.”

The Under-Secretary-General said, “This complex picture remains despite successful counter-terrorism initiatives by Member States.”

Voronkov added, “There has been progress in targeting Da’esh finances and leadership cadres, including the death of Da’esh leader earlier this year, confirmed by Da’esh itself after the report’s completion. These measures had a notable effect on the group’s operations in Iraq and the Syrian Arab Republic, as well as elsewhere.”