UN targets IS financing from oil, antiquities

The UN Security Council unanimously adopts a resolution aimed at choking off millions of dollars in earnings from oil smuggling, antiquities trafficking and ransom payments to the Islamic State group.

The resolution is co-sponsored by more than 35 countries in a show of international resolve to confront the threat posed by the jihadists who overran parts of Syria and Iraq nearly a year ago.

The measure calls for sanctions against individuals and entities that trade in oil with IS and Al-Qaeda affiliates such as the Al-Nusra Front in Syria.

It urges all 193 countries of the United Nations to take “appropriate steps” to prevent the trade in cultural property from Iraq and Syria.

It also reminds governments worldwide that they must “prevent terrorists from benefiting directly or indirectly from ransom payments or political concessions” to secure the release of hostages.

— AFP