NEW YORK – Thirty-four militant groups from around the world had reportedly pledged allegiance to the Islamic State militant group as of mid-December – and that number will only grow in 2016, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said in a report on Friday. “Islamic State poses an unprecedented threat because of its ability to persuade groups from countries like the Philippines, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Libya and Nigeria to pledge their allegiance,” he said. He said UN member states should also prepare for an increase in attacks by IS associated groups traveling to other countries to launch attacks and develop networks. The extremist group captured large swathes of Iraq and Syria less than two years ago and despite international efforts to oust them, Ban said IS continues to maintain its presence in both countries and is expanding to other regions.