A recent United Nations (UN) report has highlighted the persistent threat posed by Islamic State (ISIL/Da’esh), revealing that while the terror outfit has not been able to orchestrate large-scale attacks in India, its handlers have actively sought to provoke lone-wolf attacks through local supporters. The 35th report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, highlights ISIL’s adaptability and resilience despite sustained counter-terrorism efforts.
The report notes that ISIL has struggled to launch major attacks in India but continues to spread its influence through digital propaganda and radicalisation efforts. It specifically mentions the role of Al-Jauhar Media, a pro-ISIL propaganda wing, which has been circulating anti-India narratives via its publication, Serat ul-Haq.
Despite crackdowns by security agencies, ISIL operatives continue to leverage encrypted communication channels and social media platforms to encourage lone-actor terrorist attacks in India. Experts believe that while direct organisational support for large-scale attacks remains limited, the group’s strategy of inspiring self-radicalised individuals poses a serious security risk.
The report also raises alarms over the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan, where more than two dozen terrorist groups continue to operate. The UN Secretary-General’s 20th report on ISIL specifically highlights the growing influence of Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIL-K), which remains a major destabilising force in the region.
“Despite losing territory and suffering leadership losses, ISIL-K continues to pose a grave threat to regional stability, targeting ethnic minorities, the Taliban regime, the United Nations, and foreign nationals,” the report warns.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated concerns over Afghanistan’s fragile security environment, stating:
“The situation in Afghanistan remains concerning, with ISIL-K continuing to represent a threat not only to the country but also to the region and beyond. I continue to call upon all Member States to unite to prevent Afghanistan from again becoming a hotbed of terrorist activities affecting other countries.”
Despite claims by the Taliban that they have weakened ISIL-K, the report suggests otherwise. ISIL-K has managed to exploit internal divisions within the Taliban, capitalising on corruption and infiltrating government structures to expand its operations.
The group’s operational structure remains intact, with Mawlawi Rajab, its deputy leader, reportedly orchestrating high-impact terror attacks, including suicide bombings in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries.
Beyond Afghanistan, ISIL-K is actively expanding its presence in Central and South Asia. The report indicates that a significant number of its recruits hail from Tajikistan, raising concerns over its growing transnational networks.
Security agencies have identified new recruitment and transit routes for ISIL-K militants, particularly through Türkiye and Iran, as the group prioritises the movement of fighters into Afghanistan.
The UN report also warns about Al-Qaida’s deepening ties with regional terror groups, particularly the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, and Jamaat Ansarullah.
It cautions that the increasing collaboration between TTP, the Afghan Taliban, and Al-Qaida could transform the TTP into a broader regional threat, extending beyond Pakistan into neighboring states.
With ISIL and its affiliates adapting to counter-terror measures, the UN has urged greater global cooperation in tackling the spread of extremist ideology and terror networks. The report concludes by emphasising that despite setbacks, ISIL and Al-Qaida remain a potent force capable of exploiting regional instability to regain strength and orchestrate future attacks.
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