The United Nations counter-terrorism chief says the Islamic State group committed or indirectly inspired at least 393 attacks in 16 countries during the month of Ramadan.

Executive Director of the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate Jean-Paul Laborde said Friday that despite having their territorial expansion halted or reversed, such attacks are likely to continue as IS continues to transform itself from military organisation into a ‘real terrorist organisation.’

He said the majority of the attacks, between June 6 and July 5, took place in Iraq and Syria.

‘There is no doubt that the threat from terrorism remains persistent and unfortunately credible as demonstrated in many places,’ Laborde said. ‘The world is not becoming a safer place anytime soon.’