United Nations: Oil still the main source of ISIS financing
The UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs. File photo.
(IraqiNews.com) Baghdad – The UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman stated, that ISIS is still trading in oil despite the United Nations’ decree that bans financing terrorism.
Feltman said in a statement during the Security Council meeting and obtained by IraqiNews.com, “ISIS emergence has been facilitated by the protracted conflicts and instability in Iraq and Syria, as well as the weakening of State institutions and the inability of the States to exercise effective control over territory and borders,” adding that, “The group, which has benefited from a flow of financial resources and its ties with transnational organized criminals, is expanding its operations to other regions.”
The UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs continued, “ISIS main funding sources include the exploitation of oil and other natural resources, “taxing”, confiscation, looting of archeological sites, external donations, ransom payments; and other financing techniques, such as the use of the Internet and social media to raise funds.”
He also pointed out, “ISIS attraction to potential recruits continues unabated — particularly among young people in both developed and developing States,” indicating that, “It is estimated that around 30,000 Foreign Terrorist Fighters, originating from over 100 Member States and driven by a number of social, economic and geopolitical conditions, combined with individual circumstances, are actively engaged with ISIS and associated groups.”
“These groups are using the Internet and social media as a promotional and recruitment tool. Information and Communication Technologies play a crucial role in the preparation of FTF travel to join ISIS and its affiliates, the training and sharing of “effective practices” and the planning of attacks,” Feltman added.