UN: ISIS threat persists and Syria’s volatile situation raises concern

UN official Vladimir Voronkov stated that instability in Syria is a major concern due to fears that "terrorist organizations" could gain control of advanced weapon stockpiles. He noted that the Syrian Badia region continues to serve as an operational hub for ISIS mercenaries and remains vital to their activities.

11 February, 2025 13:41

NEWSDESK

The Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism warned that ISIS mercenaries have the ability to sustain their activities and adapt their operational methods despite the relentless counterterrorism efforts by member states and international and regional partners.

This statement was part of his briefing to the Security Council today regarding the threat posed by ISIS to international peace and security.

UN official Vladimir Voronkov reiterated that the volatile situation in Syria is "a major concern," given the risk of advanced weapon stockpiles falling into "the hands of terrorists." He highlighted that the Syrian Badia region remains a center for external operational planning for ISIS mercenaries and a crucial area for their activities.

He also warned that this instability impacts camps, detention centers, and other facilities in the North and East Syria region. He added that 42,500 individuals, some with links to ISIS, remain in detention. This includes 17,700 Iraqis, 16,200 Syrians, and 8,600 others from various countries.

Regarding the repatriation of these individuals, he stated that the pace has "significantly slowed" during the reporting period. Only five member states repatriated more than 760 individuals from Iraq and Syria, and the Iraqi government returned nearly 400 Iraqi children from NE Syria to a rehabilitation center.

He reiterated the Secretary-General's call for member states to evacuate their citizens who remain in these camps and facilities.

Meanwhile, Natalia Gherman, Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, stated that "the challenges posed by ISIS remain complex, with ongoing humanitarian, security, and governance concerns in all affected regions."

She emphasized that the humanitarian and security crisis in North and East Syria remains severe. "More than 40,000 individuals are being held in camps and detention facilities under overcrowded conditions, with inadequate shelter and limited access to clean water and sanitation," she said.

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ANHA