Da'esh Remains Resilient Despite Counter-Terrorism Efforts, Says UN

The threat posed by Da'esh (ISIS) remains volatile and complex, according to UN counter-terrorism chief Vladimir Voronkov, who briefed the Security Council on the Secretary-General's latest report on the extremist group. The report, which concludes that Da'esh remains resilient despite sustained counter-terrorism pressure, highlights Africa as the epicentre of Da'esh activity, with Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) estimated to have 8,000 to 12,000 fighters. Voronkov warned that affiliates are demonstrating resilience despite counter-terrorism efforts, noting a resurgence in ISGS activity and ISWAP's growing propaganda output.

Key Takeaways:

• Da'esh remains resilient despite sustained counter-terrorism pressure, with affiliates demonstrating resilience in Africa, particularly in the Niger-Nigeria border area.
• ISWAP is estimated to have 8,000 to 12,000 fighters, while ISGS is consolidating itself in the Niger-Nigeria border area.
• Da'esh-Khorasan, with 2,000 fighters, remains one of the most serious threats in Afghanistan and Central Asia.
• Da'esh maintains up to 3,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria and has staged major attacks, including a June assault on a church in Damascus that killed over 80 people.
• Camps in northeastern Syria continue to house nearly 35,000 people, mostly women and children, under dire conditions that risk becoming incubators of radicalization.
• Focusing solely on the leadership of groups like Da'esh is insufficient; prioritizing long-term, principled responses that tackle the drivers of terrorism and conditions conducive to its spread remain the most effective response.
• Da'esh is exploiting artificial intelligence and social media for recruitment, fundraising, and propaganda, demanding innovative responses.
• The financing threat has shifted dramatically since 2001; digital platforms are increasingly abused for financing, and younger lone actors are using microfinancing and technology-enabled methods.

Statistics:

• Da'esh has 8,000 to 12,000 fighters in Africa, primarily in the Niger-Nigeria border area.
• ISGS has consolidated itself in the Niger-Nigeria border area.
• Da'esh-Khorasan has 2,000 fighters and is one of the most serious threats in Afghanistan and Central Asia.
• Da'esh maintains up to 3,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria, has staged major attacks, including a June assault on a church in Damascus that killed over 80 people.
• Camps in northeastern Syria house nearly 35,000 people, mostly women and children, under dire conditions.

Sources:

• United Nations (video statements)
• S/2025/496 - Secretary-General's 21st biannual strategic-level report on Da'esh (Aug 20)
• Vladimir Voronkov, UN counter-terrorism chief
• Natalia Gherman, head of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate
• Elisa De Anda Madrazo, President of the Financial Action Task Force