DID Press: Representatives of the United Nations Security Council, including the United States, Pakistan and Russia, warned of the continued threat posed by terrorist groups operating in and from Afghanistan, calling for stronger international cooperation to counter Islamic State Khorasan Province, al-Qaeda and other extremist networks.
Speaking at a Security Council session on threats to international peace and security posed by terrorism, Tammy Bruce said ISIS-K remains an active threat in Afghanistan and continues to exploit instability, alongside other ISIS affiliates and al-Qaeda, to expand its operations.
Bruce stressed that combating Islamist terrorist organizations remains a key priority for Washington and warned that terrorist groups are increasingly leveraging emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence, drones and cryptocurrencies—to enhance recruitment, financing and operational capabilities.
Pakistan’s representative, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, argued that Afghanistan has become a safe haven for multiple terrorist organizations since the Taliban returned to power. He cited the presence of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, ISIS-K and al-Qaeda, calling for the Taliban to be held accountable for their counterterrorism commitments and urging stronger international cooperation against cross-border terrorist threats.
Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzya, warned that the movement of foreign fighters and terrorists’ growing use of advanced technologies pose serious risks to global security. He also criticized what he described as “double standards” and the politicization of counterterrorism efforts, arguing that international cooperation should be conducted without discrimination or political motives.
The Security Council meeting also heard warnings from other member states and UN counterterrorism officials, who expressed concern over the continued expansion of ISIS and other extremist groups in conflict-affected regions, including Afghanistan.