A simple, easy guide to understand the world’s currently ‘richest’, and also most well-organized, terrorist organization (which now operates a nearly fully-functional proto-state). Read the full guide in Urban Times.
NB: It’s just a community post, but don’t worry, it pretty much offers a comprehensive, brief explanation.
Excerpt:
ISIS Are Billionaires
Speaking of wily tricks and laying claim to sovereign lands, ISIS are not just a band of ragtag nut jobs going gung-ho crazy in the middle of the desert. They are the richest jihadist organization in the world.Speaking of wily tricks and laying claim to sovereign lands, ISIS are not just a band of ragtag nut jobs going gung-ho crazy in the middle of the desert. They are the richest jihadist organization in the world. The looting of Mosul and other towns in north Iraq gave them ~$1.5 billion in cash and gold bullion. ISIS also have control of a number of Iraqi and Syrian oil fields.
In fact, as they stand, ISIS command a formidable budget of over $2 billion in total. They can buy arms, train armies, hire accomplices, infiltrate organizations and exercise both intelligence and counter-intelligence operations.
To put things in perspective, Al-qaeda’s budget is reported to have been a measly $70-400 million.
More bonuses: to gain even more perspectives about this organization, I recommend you to watch VICE News’ direct dispatch of their reporters in covering up the regions ISIS has already controlled. A 5-part documentary, it offers you rare glimpses about life inside this new ‘country’.
