Da'esh Continues to Pose a Dynamic and Diverse Threat Globally

Strategic Insights -

The terrorist group Da'esh, also known as ISIL, remains a significant threat globally, with Africa experiencing the highest level of activity worldwide. Despite the deaths of multiple Da'esh leaders, the group has maintained its operational capacity, and its use of regional and domestic affiliates, as well as global donations, continues to pose a challenge. The threat is particularly exacerbated in Africa's Sahel region, where Da'esh affiliates have emerged as prolific producers of terrorist propaganda, attracting foreign recruits. The situation in countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria remains fragile, with Da'esh continuing to target civilians and exploit security gaps.

Key Takeaways:

  • Da'esh remains a dynamic and diverse threat globally, with Africa experiencing the highest level of activity worldwide.
  • The group has retained its operational capacity despite the deaths of multiple leaders, and continues to receive global donations and operate through regional hubs and cross-border financial networks.
  • Da'esh affiliates in Africa's Sahel region have emerged as prolific producers of terrorist propaganda, attracting foreign recruits.
  • The group continues to pose a significant threat in countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, where it targets civilians and exploits security gaps.
  • The security situation in Syria's northeast, particularly in camps such as al-Hol, remains deeply concerning, with thousands of individuals, primarily women and children, held in prolonged detention under unsafe and undignified conditions.
  • Mr. Voronkov called for the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of all concerned individuals, with a particular focus on children.
  • The use of new and emerging technologies and artificial intelligence by Da'esh remains a growing challenge, as the group employs these tools to raise funds and establish a broader communications network.
  • Prevention remains the best response to terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism, and it is more effective and cost-efficient to prevent terrorism than to remedy its impact.

Statistics:

  • Africa's Sahel region has experienced a significant increase in terrorist activity, with Da'esh affiliates producing prolific amounts of terrorist propaganda.
  • The group continues to target civilians in countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, where it exploits security gaps and conducts covert operations.
  • Tens of thousands of individuals, primarily women and children, remain in prolonged detention under unsafe and undignified conditions in camps such as al-Hol.
  • The use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence by Da'esh is increasing, with the group employing these tools to raise funds and establish a broader communications network.
  • The Financial Action Task Force has reported a marked increase in the interlinkage of diverse methods and the integration of digital technologies with conventional techniques.

Sources:

  • United Nations News (http://milnz.co.nz/mil-osi-aggregation/) - Copyright 2025 Multimedia Investments Ltd, distributed by Contify.com
  • Vladimir Voronkov, head of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT)
  • Elisa de Anda Madrazo, President of the Financial Action Task Force
  • Nathalia Gherman, head of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED)