U.N. warns of gaps in counter-terrorism

• Tweet

UNITED NATIONS, May 11 (UPI) -- Members of the United Nations should take a careful look at the role social media plays in the incitement of terrorism, a panel found.

Members of the U.N. Security Council's committee on terrorism discussed security gaps in the fight against groups such as al-Qaida, their supporters and affiliated groups.

European leaders, during the debate, stressed extremist behavior can be countered through a long-term commitment to core universal rights and a respect for international law. Other leaders stressed member states should focus more closely on the Internet and social media content when assessing incitements to terrorism.

A missile allegedly fired by a CIA drone killed Anwar al-Awlaki in Yemen last year. He was the alleged spiritual leader of al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, the Yemeni branch of al-Qaida.

Awlaki is accused of being the ideological mind behind the Fort Hood, Texas, shooting rampage in 2009 and several other terrorist plots linked to the Internet.

Peter Witting, chairman of the al-Qaida committee, said in a statement law enforcement must adapt to an evolving terrorist threat.

"Terrorist groups continue to seek to exploit gaps in the capacity of member states to fully implement counter-terrorism measures," he said.