UN warns of ISIS threat to Afghanistan and region

  According to the reports of the UN Security Council, the terrorist group Daesh (ISIS) is the most serious terrorist threat to Afghanistan and the entire region. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in his 17th report to the Security Council on the threat of ISIS to international peace and security, noted that the member states of the Security Council consider ISIS the most serious terrorist threat in Afghanistan and the region. Guterres added: "According to reports, ISIS has increased its operational capacity in Afghanistan, and the number of its fighters (along with their family members) is estimated to be between 4,000 and 6,000 people." This report states: “Sanaullah Ghafari (known as Shahab al-Muhajir) is considered by some members of the UN Security Council to be the most ambitious leader of ISIS.

It was previously reported that Ghafari was killed in Afghanistan in June, but this has not yet been confirmed. Guterres added: “ISIS attacks against the Taliban and international targets in Afghanistan are becoming more sophisticated. The group's strategy is now reportedly focused on carrying out attacks against prominent figures in order to undermine the Taliban's ability to maintain security in the country." The Secretary-General of the United Nations also stated: “Overall, ISIS has demonstrated strong operational capabilities, including identification, coordination, communication, planning and execution of operations. According to some UN Security Council member states, the attacks on high-ranking Taliban figures in the provinces of Balkh, Badakhshan and Baghlan have boosted the morale of Daesh and increased the number of recruits to this group.”