UN: ISIS inspiring local commanders to attack

The UN political chief says the ISIS extremist group has reorganized its military structure, giving local commanders more power and inspiring attacks outside conflict areas.

Jeffrey Feltman told the UN Security Council on Thursday that the threat posed by the militant group is intensified by its use of the internet and social media, including in Europe.

Although the volume of ISIS messages has declined in the last 16 months, he said “the threat persists as supporters outside Syria and Iraq collect and redistribute this propaganda.”

He said ISIS-affiliated groups in North Africa “pose a serious danger” and ISIS extremists are challenging established al-Qaida affiliates in West Africa. He said ISIS in Somalia and Yemen “represent an increasing menace” and the threat from the military group is increasing in Southeast Asia.