UN resolution would disrupt IS funds

Associated Press

UNITED NATIONS

The U.N. Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution Thursday aimed at disrupting revenue that the Islamic State extremist group gets from oil and antiquities sales, ransom payments and other criminal activities – a goal that finance ministers agree will be challenging.

The Islamic State group, also known as ISIL and Daesh, already is subject to U.N. sanctions under resolutions dealing with al-Qaida. The resolution, sponsored by the United States and Russia, elevates IS to the same level as al-Qaida, reflecting its growing threat and split from the terror network behind the 9/11 attacks.

It makes “association with ISIL” as well as al-Qaida a critera for sanctions including a financial freeze, travel ban and arms embargo.