Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africanews
Published on 2024-02-02 11:29:45
The latest report by U.N. experts highlights the ongoing high threat of terrorism from groups such as al-Qaida, the Islamic State, and their affiliates in various conflict zones across the globe. According to the 23-page report, the threat levels have particularly risen in regions including Europe, Afghanistan, and Africa.
In Afghanistan, the experts note that the relationship between the Taliban rulers and al-Qaida remains close, and the presence of multiple terrorist groups in the country has undermined the security situation in the region. The Islamic State continues to pose a significant threat in Afghanistan and beyond, with its ability to project influence in the region and carry out attacks in neighboring countries such as Iran, Pakistan, and Central Asian nations.
While none of the al-Qaida-affiliated groups have fully recovered the capability to launch long-range operations, the report highlights that they still harbor global ambitions. The Islamic State, despite its defeat in Iraq and Syria, maintains a substantial strength of 3,000 to 5,000 fighters and continues to carry out low-intensity insurgency and covert terrorist activities in Iraq and Syria.
The report also raises concerns about the potential for the Islamic State to relocate its leadership and activities to Africa or Afghanistan, with Africa being identified as a more likely destination. In West Africa and the Sahel, the escalation of violence and threats in conflict zones has led to concerns about the exploitation of counterterrorism capabilities by Islamic State and al-Qaida affiliated groups.
In East Africa, the Somali government’s military offensive against al-Shabab, an al-Qaida affiliate, has not been able to eliminate the group, which maintains an estimated 7,000 to 12,000 fighters and a significant annual income from illegal taxation in Somalia.
The report also highlights al-Qaida’s improved media productions aimed at restoring its credibility and attracting recruits, particularly after recent attacks in Israel. The renewed narrative from al-Qaida focused on the sanctity of the Al-Aqsa mosque and its potential to inspire self-initiated attacks globally.
In Europe, the formal terrorist threat levels have risen following fatal attacks in late 2023 in France and Belgium, as well as numerous non-lethal terrorist incidents and arrests in several European countries.
Overall, the report underscores the complex and evolving nature of the terrorist threat from groups such as al-Qaida and the Islamic State, with ongoing concerns about their global ambitions, capabilities, and potential to inspire and carry out attacks in conflict zones and beyond. The report also emphasizes the need for continued vigilance and coordinated efforts to counter the evolving terrorist threat.
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