UK says Concerned over ISKP Attacks in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey| Middle East | DawnNews English

Summary

The United Kingdom remains deeply concerned about the global threat posed by ISIS (Das) and its affiliates, particularly in Africa, where terrorist violence and child exploitation continue to rise. The UK emphasizes the need for collective international efforts, including support for African-led initiatives and strengthening governance to tackle the root causes of terrorism. The UK also highlights the importance of countering ISIS propaganda, financing, and travel, while stressing the significance of de-escalation and ongoing cooperation to combat these threats. The speech also marks the 10th anniversary of the Yazidi genocide, calling for sustained focus on defeating ISIS.

Takeaways

• 😀 The UK is deeply concerned about the rising threat from Daesh and its affiliates, which continue to spread their dangerous ideology globally.
• 😀 Daesh has not been able to resurge territorially, but its affiliates in various regions still pose significant threats, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
• 😀 The UK highlights the increasing threat posed by Daesh's affiliates such as ISWAP and ISSP in West Africa and the Sahel, which are destabilizing the region.
• 😀 The report emphasizes the severe violations Daesh-affiliated groups commit against children, especially girls, exacerbating the human rights crisis in affected regions.
• 😀 The UK welcomes the decision to include sexual and gender-based violence in the 1267 regime, sending a strong message that such crimes will not go unpunished.
• 😀 African-led initiatives, such as the Abuja Process, are critical in combating terrorism, with the African Union playing a central role in coordinating efforts and working with regional organizations.
• 😀 The Malibo Declaration's focus on whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches to tackling terrorism is a positive step, and the UK is ready to support national action plans.
• 😀 Addressing the root causes of terrorism, such as corruption, poor governance, and lack of rule of law, is essential for long-term stability and counterterrorism efforts.
• 😀 The growing threat from ISIS affiliates in regions like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Russia, and Turkey highlights the need for collective action against these groups worldwide.
• 😀 The UK launched the ISP diplomatic grouping in May 2023 to focus on countering the increasing threat from ISIS affiliates, particularly in terms of finance, travel, and propaganda.
• 😀 The UK calls for continued international cooperation to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, especially regarding attacks on military bases in Iraq, to maintain stability and counter Daesh.

Q & A

What is the United Kingdom's stance on the rising threat of Daesh and its affiliates?

The UK remains deeply concerned about the growing threat from Daesh and its affiliates. While Daesh has not been able to regain territorial control, it continues to spread its harmful ideology globally, posing a threat to vulnerable communities, particularly through its propaganda which incites terrorist violence.

How does Daesh's propaganda affect global security?

Daesh's propaganda exploits global events to inspire and incite terrorist violence worldwide. This form of ideological warfare amplifies the global reach of the group, even when its territorial control has diminished.

What are the key areas in Africa affected by Daesh affiliates, according to the UK representative?

Daesh affiliates, such as ISWAP and ISSP, are particularly active in West Africa and the Sahel. These regions are facing grave threats to their stability due to terrorist attacks and violent activities.

How does the UN 1267 regime address the threat of Daesh and its affiliates?

The recent inclusion of sexual and gender-based violence as a criterion for listing under the UN 1267 regime sends a strong message that these crimes, often perpetrated by Daesh and its affiliates, should not go unpunished.

What role does the African Union play in countering terrorism?

The African Union plays a central role in combating terrorism through African-led initiatives like the Abuja Process. These efforts involve working closely with regional economic communities and UN entities to tackle terrorism in Africa.

What is the Malibo Declaration, and why is it significant?

The Malibo Declaration calls for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to tackling terrorism. It is an important step forward in coordinating responses across various sectors and ensuring comprehensive strategies to combat terrorism in the region.

What underlying issues contribute to the spread of terrorism, according to the UK representative?

The UK representative emphasizes the need to address underlying drivers of terrorism, such as corruption, poor governance, and lack of respect for the rule of law, in order to effectively combat terrorist groups like Daesh and its affiliates.

How has the threat from ISIS evolved recently, and where has it intensified?

The threat from ISIS (Islamic State) has been increasing, with particularly alarming attacks in countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Russia, and Turkey. These attacks highlight the need for a collective, international effort to counter ISIS's activities.

What diplomatic steps has the UK taken to counter ISIS?

In May 2023, the UK launched the ISIS diplomatic grouping to address the growing threat from ISIS. The grouping works with regional partners to share expertise and drive actions focused on countering ISIS finance, travel, and propaganda.

Why is the situation in Iraq particularly concerning in relation to Daesh and ISIS?

The increasing attacks on military bases in Iraq by Daesh-affiliated groups are exacerbating tensions in the Middle East. These attacks threaten the stability of Iraq and undermine the coalition's collective efforts to combat Daesh, making de-escalation a priority for international partners.

How does the UK view the ongoing fight against Daesh, especially in light of its past actions?

The UK stresses the importance of not losing focus in the fight against Daesh, especially as the world marks 10 years since the genocide perpetrated by Daesh against the Yazidi people. The UK remains committed to preventing Daesh from spreading to new theaters of conflict.