How does ISIS fund its reign of terror?

November 08, 2014 15:58

The Islamic State's staggering successes come at a cost. After all, it's not cheap to wage war and manage territorial conquests whose population is now roughly the size of Austria's.

So how can ISIS, cut off from the rest of the world by financial and trade sanctions, and under daily aerial and land bombardment by some of the richest countries in the world, afford to maintain a well-armed military and pay other bills?

Interviews with Iraqi, Kurdish, European, Syrian and American government officials, analysts and intelligence agents sketch a portrait of ISIS's robust, sprawling, and efficient financial operation.

The terrorist group relies on a relatively complex system to manage its far-reaching networks.

Its currencies of choice -- cash, crude oil and contraband -- allow it to operate outside of legitimate banking channels.

Turkey's southern corridor, Iraq's northwestern corridor and Syria's northeastern corridor are key weak spots, well away from the prying eyes of outside investigators.

Read more HERE

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

'15 seconds, and Owaisis wouldn't know...': BJP's Rana

Rana's blistering attack came in response to AIMIM MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi's controversial speech in 2013 that it would take them only '15 minutes' to balance the 'Hindu- Muslim ratio' in the country if the police were removed.

Haryana crisis: Oppn approaches guv, steps up efforts to topple BJP govt

'It is evident that the BJP govt in Haryana no longer commands a majority,' former Deputy Chief Minister and JJP leader Dushyant Chautala said in his letter to the governor on Wednesday.

Air India Express cabin crew call off strike; no sacking of staffers

Both parties will discuss the issues and there will be a meeting again on May 28, he said.

Pune court likely to pronounce verdict in Dabholkar murder case today

Additional sessions judge A A Jadhav of the special court for cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act is likely to pronounce the judgement on Friday, said special public prosecutor Prakash Suryawanshi.

'Gutted' Curran rues missed chances after Punjab exit

PBKS skipper Sam Curran was a disappointed man as the team was eliminated with two games left.