UN takes aim at Islamic State financing from oil, antiquities

The UN Security Council today unanimously adopted a resolution aimed at choking off millions of dollars in earnings from oil smuggling, antiquities trafficking and ransom payments to the Islamic State group.
The resolution was co-sponsored by more than 35 countries in a show of international resolve to confront the threat posed by the jihadists who overran parts of Syria and Iraq nearly a year ago.
The measure calls for sanctions against individuals and entities that trade in oil with IS and Al-Qaeda affiliates such as the Al-Nusra Front in Syria.
It urges all 193 countries of the United Nations to take "appropriate steps" to prevent the trade in cultural property from Iraq and Syria.

It also reminds governments worldwide that they must "prevent terrorists from benefiting directly or indirectly from ransom payments or political concessions" to secure the release of hostages.
That provision was directed at European governments which have found ways to circumvent the ban on paying ransoms to win the release of captive nationals.

Drafted under chapter 7 of the UN charter, the resolution can be enforced through sanctions or use of force, even though the text does not authorise military force.
Russia drafted the initial text which focussed heavily on oil smuggling, but the scope of the measure was broadened in discussion to include other revenue streams.

US Ambassador Samantha Power described the resolution as "robust" in providing governments worldwide with "clear practical instructions" on preventing oil smuggling.