In a UN Security Council (UNSC) session, the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Office Vladimir Voronkov said that DAESH has continued to exploit the disruption, grievances and development setbacks caused by the pandemic to regroup, recruit new followers and intensify its activities both online and on the ground.

On the other hand, Michele Coninsx, executive director of the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, noted that the world is collectively witnessing the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan and echoed the Secretary-General’s appeal that the Council take all possible steps to ensure that country is not used as a safe haven for terrorists.

While pandemic-related restrictions have helped to restrict terrorist activities in most non-conflict zones, threats from terrorist groups have increased in conflict zones, including parts of West, East and Central Africa as well as Afghanistan and Syria.

pgh/Pll/msm / ifb