Islamic State

(asked on 4th September 2014) - View Source

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what reports he has received on the sources of supply to Islamic State militants of their weapons and training; and if he will make a statement.


Answered by
Tobias Ellwood Portrait
Tobias Ellwood
This question was answered on 10th September 2014

We remain deeply concerned about the ability of terrorist groups in Iraq and Syria to acquire weapons and commit atrocities.

The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) has obtained its weaponry from a variety of sources, including by capturing them from Iraqi and Syrian security forces. Many of ISIL's supply needs are financed by its sale of oil and by money stolen during its advances in recent months.

We have emphasised the need to intensify efforts to stem the flow of weapons and fighters to extremist groups, including ISIL. Hundreds of foreigners are fighting with ISIL, gaining combat experience and potentially forging connections with other extremists. As part of its strategy to combat ISIL, the UK led work on UN Security Council Resolution 2170, adopted on 15 August, which condemns ISIL, Al Nusra Front (ANF) and other terrorist groups listed under Al Qaida sanctions. The resolution urges members to take measures to choke off recruitment and to target the growing phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters and ISIL's sources of finance.

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