In a high-profile Security Council meeting at the United Nations, a report detailing the provision of Nato-calibre weapons to the Islamic State (IS) by groups including the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Taliban, and Al Qaeda affiliates, has come to light. This revelation underscores the concerning reality that the IS, bolstered by Nato-calibre armaments, remains a potent threat across conflict zones and neighboring nations.
The Security Council convened to hear from two UN counter-terrorism officials, Vladimir Voronkov and Natalia Gherman, who presented the 17th secretary general report outlining the peril posed by IS to global peace and security. Startlingly, the report discloses that Nato-calibre weapons, reminiscent of those linked to the former Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, are being supplied to IS-Khorasan (IS-K) by factions affiliated with the Taliban and Al Qaeda, including the TTP and the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM).
With the upheaval in Afghanistan marked by the Taliban’s resurgence, UN member states are grappling with escalating concerns regarding the proliferation of weaponry and military equipment both within the country and across its borders. The report further unveils that IS has established an “Industry Committee” internally to explore novel avenues for enhancing its weaponry capabilities, including improvised explosive devices and augmenting drone payloads.
The complexities within Afghanistan’s evolving landscape are noted by Voronkov, who articulated the tangible fears of arms and ammunition falling into the hands of terrorists. Particularly alarming is IS-K’s surge in “in-country operational capabilities,” as evidenced by its growing sophistication in attacks against both the Taliban and international entities.
Undoubtedly, Afghanistan’s geopolitical scenario presents formidable challenges. The presence and activities of approximately 20 distinct terrorist groups within the nation, compounded by the Taliban’s repressive governance, an absence of sustainable development, and humanitarian crises, collectively contribute to a volatile regional environment. Voronkov stresses that international unity has played a pivotal role in weakening IS through strategic financial hits.
The UN report asserts that the group’s financial assets, previously estimated at $25 million to $50 million, have significantly dwindled. Additionally, IS has experienced leadership attrition, with the demise of its chief earlier in the year in Syria. Ms. Gherman emphasizes the necessity of member states prosecuting terrorists and showcasing collaborative international endeavors to address this pressing global challenge.
As global leaders grapple with the ramifications of these revelations, the pursuit of stability and peace in this region acquires renewed urgency. The intricate tapestry of affiliations, weaponry transfers, and evolving threat dynamics necessitates astute diplomacy and collective action to counteract the pervasive influence of extremism.
