A top U.N. counterterrorism official warned the Security Council about the potential expansion of the Islamic State group and its affiliates in Africa. The official highlighted that a significant portion of the continent, including West Africa and the Sahel region, could come under the control of these terrorist organizations.
While there is no direct link between a recent alleged plot to attack Taylor Swift shows in Vienna and the Islamic State group, Austrian authorities noted that the suspects seemed to be influenced by the ideologies of the group and al-Qaida.
The undersecretary for counterterrorism emphasized in his report to the council that IS group affiliates have been strengthening their presence in various African countries. Areas such as Mali, northern Nigeria, Mozambique, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have witnessed an increase in terrorist activities, resulting in significant civilian casualties.
Furthermore, the official highlighted the growing capabilities of ISIS-K, the Islamic State group's affiliate in Afghanistan. Over the past six months, ISIS-K has enhanced its financial and logistical resources, leading to intensified recruitment efforts and operational activities.
Notably, the Islamic State group has demonstrated its global reach by claiming responsibility for attacks carried out by ISIS-K and escalating its operations in Iraq and Syria.
