UN: ISIS remains a persistent threat in Iraq, Syria, & beyond

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: The National News
15 Aug 2023 18:00

UN experts report that ISIS remains a "formidable global threat" with sleeping cells in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and countries across the Sahel region.

Demonstrators chant pro-Islamic State group slogans as they carry the group's flags in front of the provincial government headquarters in Mosul, Iraq, June 16, 2014 (AP)

A recent report by the UN Security Council revealed that the ISIS terrorist group poses a persistent threat in Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan: with around 5,000 to 7,000 active members in Syria and Iraq.

During the first half of the year, the threat level posed by ISIS was observed to be "mostly high in conflict zones and low in non-conflict areas," according to the UNSC report.

ISIS has reportedly been adapting its tactics to minimize losses and facilitate recruitment and reorganization: the group has embedded itself within local populations and is selectively choosing battles to avoid extensive casualties.

This strategic shift has allowed ISIS to rebuild its forces and recruit from vulnerable communities, both within the northeast of the Syrian Arab Republic and neighboring countries.

ISIS proclaimed its caliphate back in 2014 across Syria and Iraq. The so-called caliphate was ultimately defeated through the joint efforts of regional resistance groups; however, the terrorist organization maintains cells both in Syria and Iraq, the report shows.

The report also shed light on dire humanitarian conditions in northeastern Syria, particularly in the Al Hol and Roj camps where more than 55,000 individuals with alleged ISIS ties or family connections reside. A large majority of the camp inhabitants are children, facing severe hardship and limited prospects for their future.

The experts highlighted the insidious nature of ISIS' recruitment efforts, even within such conditions, as they continue to operate their "cubs of the caliphate" program, targeting children within the overcrowded Al Hol camp.

The threat of ISIS extends beyond the middle east into the Sahel region, to threaten countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Experts stated that ISIS affiliates have shown increased autonomy and involvement in escalating violence alongside other terrorist groups.