Islamic State in the red, even terrorists raise taxes

In recent months the revenues of the so-called "Caliphate" decreased by 30%. In March $ 56 million in revenue, in mid-2015 the figure was 80 million. Population in the territories controlled by Daesh also dropping, from nine to six million. To remedy the jihadist leaders have imposed new levies. Fines for those who do not respond correctly to questions on the Koran.

 

Baghdad (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The Islamic State’s revenues and those of the population living in the territories controlled by the jihadist group have radically decreased in recent months, a decline of 30%. This is according to a study published by the US based IHS Jane's; according to research, the shortfall in revenue could - in the long run - be decisive for the implosion of the so-called "Caliphate".

In an attempt to address this problem, the jihadists leaders have already taken steps to introduce new taxes and duties in the area now under their control, including a heavy tax on the "repair of satellite dishes”.

The IHS Jane's study shows that "in March 2016 the monthly revenue of the Islamic State dropped to $ 56 million". In mid-2015, the monthly average of all of its revenues was 80 million dollars.

Based on information obtained from the internet (social networks in particular) and from sources on the territories of Syria and Iraq, the report also adds that oil production in areas under the control of jihadist also decreased, from 33 thousand to 22 thousand barrels a day. For the experts, these losses are due to United States and Russian air raids in recent months.

At least half of the money that flows into the Daesh coffers [Arabic acronym of IS] come from taxes and the confiscation of businesses and assets. Oil constitutes 43%, while the remainder is the result of drug trafficking, the sale of electricity, plus donations.

Also according to IHS Jane's, IS has lost at least 22% of its territory in the last 15 months. At the same time, the population in the areas under the control of the jihadist militia has reduced to six million, compared to nine million of the recent past. This is also one of the reasons for declining revenues in Daesh coffers.

To make up for the losses, the ultra-fundamentalist Sunni Islamic movement leaders have increased taxes on basic services: these include taxes on truck drivers, those who want to install or repair satellite dishes and "exit duties" for those who want to leave a town or a village in IS hands. Added to these are the "fines" for those who do not respond correctly to questions about the Koran and Islam, and the ability to turn corporal punishment (such as flogging) imposed for conduct that "deviate" from the moral and Muslim religion into money.

According to some sources, there is also a "cut" in fighters wages of up to 50%. The decision, explain the leaders, is due to "extraordinary circumstances."

• Iraq Syria Islamic
• state jihad fundamentalism tax proceeds population ihs