The United Nations has warned that Islamic State (ISIS) and al-Qaida pose an escalating global threat, with Africa emerging as the primary hub of extremist activity and Syria re-emerging as a base for international operations.
According to a report released Wednesday, al-Qaida’s affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) in West Africa and al-Shabab in Somalia have expanded their reach. JNIM now conducts complex assaults using drones and improvised explosive devices in the Sahel, while al-Shabab consolidates control in Somalia and strengthens ties with Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
Syria, following the December fall of Damascus and the removal of President Bashar al-Assad, has become a strategic platform for both ISIS and al-Qaida to coordinate external attacks. The UN estimates that over 5,000 foreign fighters took part in the offensive that toppled the Syrian capital.
Beyond the Middle East and Africa, ISIS continues to inspire attacks abroad. The report highlighted a deadly vehicle-ramming incident in New Orleans linked to ISIS that killed 14 people — the worst attack on U.S. soil since 2016.
Despite financial pressures — with fighter salaries reportedly at record lows — ISIS and al-Qaida are using increasingly sophisticated methods to transfer money without detection, the UN warned.
The report concludes that the resilience of these groups and their ability to adapt presents a persistent global security threat.
