U.S. Ambassador Robert Wood, the Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs, addressed the United Nations Security Council on August 8, 2024, highlighting the ongoing threats to international peace and security posed by terrorist acts.
Speaking in New York, Ambassador Wood emphasized the United States’ concern over ISIS-Khorasan’s growing ability to conduct attacks beyond Afghanistan, referencing the devastating incidents in Kerman on January 3 and Moscow on March 22, which resulted in hundreds of casualties.
Ambassador Wood commended the efforts of the Taliban to counter ISIS-K but underscored the importance of their continued adherence to counterterrorism commitments.
He also expressed grave concern over the escalating terrorism threat across Africa, particularly in West Africa, the Sahel, and Central and Southern Africa.
The U.S. continues to provide essential support to African partners in degrading the capabilities of ISIS and al-Qa’ida affiliates. Ambassador Wood highlighted the importance of capable law enforcement and security services in preventing and countering terrorism and violent extremism, aligning with international law.
Ambassador Wood welcomed the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2734, which extended the mandate of the UN 1267 sanctions regime.
He praised the resolution’s recognition of sexual and gender-based violence as a strategy used by terrorists, marking it as a potential ground for sanctions listings.
Promoting accountability for conflict-related sexual violence remains a priority for the United States. Ambassador Wood cited the U.S. sanctions issued last December against four leaders of the ISIS affiliate in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for committing heinous acts of violence against women and girls.
Ambassador Wood also urged Member States to actively utilize sanctions and other tools to counter ISIS and al-Qa’ida, emphasizing the importance of the repatriation of detained non-Syrian ISIS fighters and displaced ISIS-associated family members.
He noted the significant progress made by Iraq in repatriating nearly 11,000 displaced individuals, with over 5,000 repatriated in the past year.
In addressing the humanitarian crisis in Syria’s al-Hol and Roj camps, where over 43,000 people, mostly children, reside, Ambassador Wood called on countries of origin to expedite the repatriation of their nationals.
Ambassador Wood concluded by reaffirming the U.S. commitment to working with civil society, particularly local women leaders, in counterterrorism efforts.
He emphasized the need for a comprehensive, whole-of-society approach that respects human rights and the rule of law to effectively combat the spread of ISIS and other terrorist groups.
