Syria/Washington: Analysts, who have been closely following the rise of IS terror organisation, say it is the world’s largest, and richest militant group ever.
According to bizshifts, IS is the most cash-rich and capable terror group in the world with a $2 billion jihadist network.
Analysts say IS earns its revenue by smuggling oil from Syria and Iraq.
As cash-based organisation, the group also has to guard itself against internal corruption, which is documented in the group’s own records.
Some analysts say the IS is also able to fund itself, and has established local networks in their occupied territories that generate a continuing flow of money, for example; systematic extortion of small and large businesses such as construction firms.
Deeper analysis says that one of IS’ biggest financial coups so far was the looting of the central bank in Mosul, which brought them equivalent of about $429 million in cash.
Obama to seek congress nod to fight against Islamic State
US President Barack Obama will send Congress a proposal to authorise the use of force against IS shortly, both the White House and House Speaker John Boehner said on Thursday, setting up a what is sure to be a fierce political fight on Capitol Hill, CNN said.
White House press secretary Josh Earnest said the administration will send “specific language” of an authorisation for the use of military force to Congress ‘relatively soon’.
The President is required by law to secure congressional approval for prolonged military operations, by passing an AUMF. “When it comes to fighting war, Congress should not tie the President’s hands,” Boehner said.
US Intelligence warns IS expanding territories
US Intelligence has warned that the Islamic State (IS) is moving outside of their strongholds in Iraq and Syria to extend their territories to other countries.
According to Fox News, Vincent Stewart, director of the US Defence Intelligence Agency said that the IS militants are beginning to assemble a growing international footprint with affiliates in Algeria, Egypt and Libya.
The footprints, Stewart warned, includes ungoverned and under governed areas.
The militant group’s tentacles will come out in countries with weak government, said Stewart.
Afghanistan forms a potential ambition for the group as U.S. combat mission ended in the country and Afghan security forces are in control.
