ISIS receives arms, funding ‘under patronage’ of foreign special services & NGOs – Russia’s UN envoy
RT.com
24 Aug, 2018
The remnants of ISIS continue to receive foreign funding and arms supplies, Russian ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told the UN Security Council, adding that the terrorists are seeking to diversify their crippled sources of income.
“Evidence continues to amass that weapons are being smuggled [to Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) terrorist group in Syria] from outside, including through semi-legal organizations or even under the patronage of security services from other countries,” Nebenzia told the United Nations on Thursday. He said Moscow hopes to have a “meaningful discussion” about putting an end to this malicious practice during an international conference on combatting illicit arms trafficking in Moscow on September 3-4.
“Moreover, IS continues to receive funds from outside sponsors, acting under the guise of charity funds, religious organizations and other non-governmental structures,” he added.
Even though the terrorist organization lost its foothold and has had its main sources of income significantly crippled, as the Syrian army –with Russia’s support– regained control of the bulk of the country’s territory, according to Nebenzia IS continues to represent a considerable threat.
“IS militants are going all-in, often dragging minors into conducting terrorist acts, including kids younger than 12. Quite possibly the frequency of terrorist attacks, especially in the Idlib area, may increase,” Nebenzia warned.
However, the downfall of IS may allow Al-Qaeda, which receives up to $40 million in financing, to “raise their head” in Syria. Al Qaeda is being strengthened through their networks in North Africa, where the notorious terrorist organization is heavily invested in criminal business activity and is trying to control agro-industrial holdings, the envoy warned. “Putting an end to ISIS, Al Qaeda, as well as related groups’ threat, can only be achieved on a truly collective basis,” Nebenzia said.
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