US-backed forces in Syria are close to liberating the last pocket of territory controlled by the jihadists, but despite imminent defeat in that battle, the terror group still controls as many as 18,000 fighters in Syria and neighbouring Iraq. The report says while ISIS has morphed from an organised military force into a covert network in paces like Iraq and Syria, “it remains a threat as a global organisation with centralised leadership”. “This threat is increased by returning, relocating or released foreign terrorist fighters,” according to the UN Security Council report.
And backed up by a secret war chest of up to £232 million ($300 million), ISIS hopes to reportedly fund “larger-scale attacks once the opportunity arises again”.
At its height in 2014, the jihadist “caliphate” included huge swathes of Syria and Iraq with its total territory covering an area roughly the size of Britain.
Following years of fighting by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), ISIS has now been pushed back to just two villages in eastern Syria.
But the group still poses a threat to world security, head of the UN office of counter-terrorism Vladimir Voronkov said.
He pointed out that “far fewer” attacks associated with ISIS took place in 2018 than in 2017 while successful international attacks have “fallen dramatically” since 2015-2016.
But the threat to the West is increased by “foreign terrorist fighters leaving the conflict zone”.
Mr Voronkov warned “radicalised women and traumatised minors may also pose a serious threat”.
In preparation for future attacks, ISIS has stashed between £39 million ($50 million) and £232 million ($300 million) to fund its operations.
Some of this war chest has reportedly been “bulk stored” in secret locations while some has been smuggled into neighbouring countries for safe keeping.
The report states: “Although its territorial losses have removed some sources of revenue, it has correspondingly fewer liabilities and is expected to be able to sustain its operations.”
This latest report comes as the US-backed SDF continue their assault on the final pocket of ISIS territory.
SDF forces, spearheaded by the Kurdish YPG militia, are fighting to drive Islamic State out of the village of Baghouz.
US Colonel Sean Ryan told Reuters the SDF is making “slow and methodical” progress, repelling counter attacks from up to 600 desperate ISIS fanatics who stayed behind to make a final stand.
He said: “The enemy is fully entrenched and ISIS fighters continue to conduct counter attacks.”
Colonel Ryan added it was “too early for a timetable” on when the battle might end.