Fact Check: UN warns IS threat remains high despite military defeat in 2019.

Fact Check: UN Warns IS Threat Remains High Despite Military Defeat in 2019

What We Know

The claim that the UN warned of a high threat from ISIS (Islamic State) despite its military defeat in 2019 is supported by various reports, including the Country Reports on Terrorism 2019 published by the United States Department of State. This report outlines significant military successes against ISIS, including the destruction of its territorial caliphate in Iraq and Syria and the death of its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. However, it also emphasizes that despite these military defeats, ISIS adapted by establishing new branches and networks globally, particularly in Africa and Asia, and continued to inspire attacks, such as the deadly Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka.

The report indicates that while ISIS lost its physical territory, the group remained a persistent threat through its affiliates and inspired attacks worldwide. This duality of military defeat and ongoing threat was acknowledged not only by the U.S. but also in discussions at the UN regarding the global counterterrorism landscape.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim comes primarily from the Country Reports on Terrorism 2019, which provides a comprehensive overview of the state of terrorism, including ISIS's operational status post-defeat. The report is a credible source, as it is produced by the U.S. Department of State, which is tasked with monitoring and reporting on international terrorism and security threats.

Moreover, the report's assertion that ISIS adapted and continued to pose a threat aligns with findings from other credible sources, such as the Homeland Threat Assessment 2024, which reiterates that terrorism remains a significant threat to national and global security. The ongoing activities of ISIS affiliates and the group's ability to inspire attacks highlight the complexities of counterterrorism efforts in a post-caliphate world.

While the UN itself may not have issued a specific warning in 2019, the discussions and reports surrounding the threats posed by ISIS and other terrorist organizations during that period reflect a consensus on the continuing danger they represent. Therefore, the claim is substantiated by the available evidence, which indicates that the threat from ISIS remained high despite its military setbacks.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that the UN warned of a high threat from ISIS despite its military defeat in 2019 is accurate. The evidence from the U.S. Department of State's report confirms that while ISIS lost its territorial control, it continued to pose a significant threat through its global network and inspired attacks. This ongoing threat was acknowledged in various international discussions, including those at the UN, underscoring the complexities of counterterrorism in the aftermath of ISIS's territorial defeat.

Fact Check: UN warns IS threat remains high despite military defeat in 2019.