The Islamic State and its affiliates remain a global and evolving threat. Indeed, the group persistently exploits conflict dynamics, weak governance, and inequality to incite, plan, and execute terrorist attacks, according to the U.N.’s top counter-terrorism chief.

In a joint briefing last week, U.N. Security Council members were provided with the latest threat assessment of the Islamic State and its international network. As of today, the Islamic State continues to expand by creating new or incorporating existing armed groups, which are primarily located in regional conflict zones, into its global affiliates network. Additionally, the group’s supporters continue to exploit online forums to publish propaganda and motivate individuals to conduct violent attacks. For example, a recent Islamic State magazine praised the devastation caused by Russia’s war in Ukraine and told readers to prepare for a “great war” between the East and the West. Islamic State members are also significantly increasing their use of unmanned aerial systems, according to U.N. officials.

Despite the destruction of the Islamic State’s caliphate in 2019, the group still has a sizeable presence along the Iraq-Syrian border, with U.N. officials estimating that around 10,000 fighters are still operating in the area. In terms of finances, the U.N. assesses Islamic State senior leaders manage between $25 to $50 million in assets, which they could use to fund and coordinate attacks against Western targets. Finally, the Islamic State’s enduring resilience in the face of concerted counter-terrorism efforts has been attributed to its decentralized organizational structure, which provides for autonomy and flexibility among regional affiliates. Read more at the U.N.