Against the background of the coronavirus pandemic, terrorists have sharply intensified their activities in the Middle East, primarily in Syria and Iraq, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Oleg Syromolotov told RIA Novosti.
"The situation in a number of regions of Africa is of particular concern in this regard, although I would not say that the terrorist threat in other countries is decreasing, "the diplomat said, in particular, referring to the fight against terrorism in the context of the pandemic, adding that"in some regions of the world that have long been known to be troubled, the situation cannot but worry."
"For example, terrorist organizations, seeking to earn "points" in the wake of the pandemic, have sharply intensified their activities in the Middle East region, primarily in Syria and Iraq," the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister explained.
Syromolotov also noted that "in the current conditions of forced social isolation in Europe due to the spread of the coronavirus, the threat there has not disappeared, despite the lack of social gathering."
"The "sleeper cells" of international terrorist organizations that are hiding in these countries have not disappeared, "he added, expressing hope that"against the background of the coronavirus epidemic, the world community will not lose its unity and determination in the joint fight against terrorism."
"Of course, counterterrorism is an area where there are many sensitive issues, and not all of them can be discussed in open formats, including video conferences. However, all contacts with our foreign partners are still maintained, important international meetings are being prepared, including at the UN platform, and new joint steps are being worked out in this area. There is no question of abandoning any previously launched initiatives or negotiating formats, even if some events have to be postponed to a later date. In general, given the increasing unpredictability caused by the global pandemic, we continue and will continue to work tirelessly on global issues of new challenges and threats with increased attention. Our common task is to fight ISIS* and other terrorist organizations and terrorists in general until their complete defeat," concluded Oleg Syromolotov.
* Terrorist organization banned in Russia.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Valery Sharifulin / TASS