UN Briefing: Da'esh Resilience, Africa as Epicenter, and Emerging Threats

Da'esh Threat Assessment

• ⚠️ The threat posed by Da'esh remains volatile and complex, with the group and its affiliates demonstrating resilience despite sustained counter-terrorism efforts.
• 🌍 Africa is currently experiencing the highest intensity of Da'esh activity globally, with West Africa and the Sahel being particularly urgent.
• 📈 Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has emerged as a prolific producer of terrorist propaganda, attracting foreign fighters, while Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) has seen a resurgence in activity.

Regional Hotspots and Operations

• 🇸🇾 In the Middle East, Da'esh remains active in Iraq and Syria, working to restore operational capacity and destabilize local authorities.
• 🇦🇫 In Afghanistan, ISIL Khorasan (IS-K) represents a serious threat, targeting civilians and minority groups.
• 🇸🇴 Da'esh mounted a large-scale attack in Puntland, Somalia, involving numerous foreign fighters, though Somali forces repelled the offensive.

Emerging Technologies and Financing

• 🤖 Da'esh is reportedly seeking to recruit cyber security experts and is experimenting with artificial intelligence to boost propaganda.
• 💻 The group continues to use encrypted messaging platforms for secure communications and crowdfunding systems for fundraising.
• 💰 The financing threat remains central, with digital platforms increasingly abused for illicit activities, including microfinancing and online gambling by younger actors.

UN Counter-Terrorism Strategies

• 💡 Focusing solely on leadership is insufficient; long-term, principled responses that tackle the drivers of terrorism are most effective.
• ⚖️ Compliance with international law is essential, particularly regarding the dire humanitarian and security situation in camps in Northeast Syria, and the need for repatriation of individuals, especially children.
• 🤝 Sustained global cooperation, capacity building, information sharing, and tailored assistance to member states are crucial for countering terrorism.