UNITED NATIONS (Dispatches) – The United Nations Security Council on Thursday discussed the Secretary-General’s 21st biennial report, warning that Daesh remains a significant and evolving threat across multiple regions, including Africa, the Middle East, Afghanistan, Europe, and Central Asia.
The report highlights the Daesh-K, as a major security challenge. The UN estimates Daesh-K commands around 2,000 fighters and continues to prioritize attacks against Shia communities, Taliban forces, and foreign nationals. Despite sustained counter-terrorism pressure, Daesh and its affiliates have maintained their operational capabilities, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.
Vladimir Voronkov, head of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, told the Security Council that Daesh increasingly exploits emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to boost propaganda efforts and recruit cyber specialists. The group has also tailored its messaging to local contexts, particularly in Africa, to maximize recruitment and influence.
Pakistan’s envoy to the UN, Asim Iftikhar, warned that Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), with nearly 6,000 fighters based in Afghanistan, poses a significant threat to Pakistan’s national security. He highlighted the existence of safe havens near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and cited evidence of cooperation between TTP and other militant groups, including the Balochistan Liberation Army, in targeting Pakistan’s infrastructure and civilians.
Iran’s Permanent Representative Amir Saeid Iravani expressed deep concern about reports that some Daesh fighters have relocated from Syria to Afghanistan, describing the transfers as a direct threat to regional stability.
The Security Council also heard calls from Pakistan for the United States to repurchase military equipment left behind in Afghanistan to prevent it from falling into the hands of insurgents. According to The Economist, Pakistani officials fear that such weapons are widely available on the black market and could be used by militant groups across the region.
The UN report also noted that despite counter-terrorism efforts, groups linked to Al-Qaeda continue to operate in Afghanistan, with expanded bases and training camps supported by the Taliban. The report details that Al-Qaeda maintains sanctuaries in at least 14 Afghan provinces, while Daesh-K continues to recruit fighters from Central Asia and the North Caucasus.