IS still a global threat, despite less attacks – UN

THOUGH attacks were down last year, a new United Nations (UN) report to the Security Council on Monday shows that Islamic State (IS) is still a global threat, despite

network, with countries continuing to face challenges from the growing scourge of violent extremism.

Despite the more concealed or locally embedded activities of IS cells, its central leadership retains an influence and maintains an intent to generate internationallydirected attacks and thereby still plays an important role in advancing the group’s

-

of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT). “This is exacerbated by the chal-

who either are leaving conflict zones, or those who are returning or who are about to be released from prison. In this context, radicalization in prison settings, is seen as a particular challenge in Europe and Iraq,” UndersecretaryGeneral Voronkov added.

He said that so- called “frustrated travelers” were adding to the complexity of the threat, with up to 18,000 remaining in the ranks, including some 3,000

“In terms of IS’s financial strength, the report notes that despite some loss of revenue due to territorial setbacks, IS could sustain its operations through accessible reserves, in cash or investment in businesses, ranging between $50 and $300 million. IS cells are also reported to generate revenue through criminal activities,” explained Voronkov.

The document, the eighth

its so- called caliphate across northern Syria and Iraq in 2014, was prepared on behalf of the UN Secretary- General by the Counter- Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate ( CTED) and the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team of the 1267/1989/2253 IS and Al- Qaeda Sanctions Committee, in close collaboration with the UNOCT and other UN entities and international organizations.

After being driven from its city strongholds of Mosul and Raqqa,