UN official: Coronavirus lockdowns reduce threat of terror attacks

Coronavirus lockdowns appear to have reduced the threat of IS group’s attacks in many countries, but the risk is greater in Iraq and Syria, a UN official said.

“Measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19, such as lockdowns and restrictions on movement, seem to have reduced the risk of terrorist attacks in many countries,” AFP quoted Vladimir Voronkov, under secretary general for counter-terrorism, as saying.

According to AFP, Voronkov said the pandemic’s impact on the group’s recruitment and finances is unclear, though the threat of cybercrime as a funding source has increased as more people are online due to the contagion.

He added there is evidence IS terrorists are regrouping in conflict zones like Iraq and Syria.