Published on: 2026-08-05
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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August 5, 2026 Peace and Security
The threat posed by the Islamic State (ISIS) remains and is becoming increasingly serious. This was warned on Wednesday during a meeting of the Security Council by representatives of the UN Counter-Terrorism Directorate and the Executive Directorate of the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTED).
The Deputy Head of the IDCNTK, Carmen Cantor, stated that over the past six months, ISIS and its affiliates have remained active and adapted to new conditions, “despite constant counterterrorism pressure.”
She emphasized that in recent years terrorists have been especially active in Africa, and the situation in Iraq and Syria requires vigilance. The closure of the displaced persons camp “Al-Hol” in Syria was a significant event, but at the same time revealed the difficulties of working with former group members and their families.
Cantor noted that terrorist organizations are actively mastering the digital space – from social networks and gaming platforms to artificial intelligence. “Propaganda is no longer limited to shaping narratives. It has turned into a tool that supports the activities of terrorist groups, helping them recruit supporters, mobilize resources, and expand their influence beyond their own countries,” she said.
Special attention at the Security Council meeting was given to the increasing use of unmanned systems and improvised explosive devices, especially in Africa. In this regard, the Executive Directorate of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, together with partners, is promoting the implementation of the Abu Dhabi Guidelines on Countering the Use of UAVs by Terrorists.
Carmen Cantor also stated the need to protect critically important maritime infrastructure and to strengthen information exchange.
The head of the office of the UN Deputy Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism, Oguldzheren Niyazberdiyeva, noted that despite the efforts of states, ISIS continues to pose a serious threat to international peace and security. According to her, the group’s central leadership is weakened, but its branches retain the ability to operate autonomously, using local instability to recruit and plan operations.
Niyazberdieva highlighted three key directions of counterterrorism activities. The first is the necessity of international cooperation, since terrorist networks are increasingly operating across borders. The second is the emphasis on the rapid expansion of the use of artificial intelligence, encrypted communications, digital platforms, virtual assets, and unmanned systems, which requires strengthening regulation and cooperation with the private sector. The third is the obligation to comply with international law, including human rights and humanitarian law norms, as the foundation for the effectiveness and legitimacy of counterterrorism measures.
Both rapporteurs called for expanding international cooperation, adaptive and context-specific approaches, and comprehensive measures based on international law. “Only through ongoing international engagement and a comprehensive approach can we effectively counter the threat posed by ISIS and its affiliated groups,” emphasized Carmen Cantor.
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