ISIS stands as one of the most lethal terrorist organizations in history. From 2014 to 2018, it operated as a proto-state under its self-declared Caliphate, controlling nearly 40% of Iraq and 60% of Syria at its peak in 2014. The group drew over 40,000 foreign fighters from more than 130 countries and orchestrated devastating terrorist attacks worldwide, targeting cities such as Brussels, Istanbul, London, New York, Paris, and Sydney.
Globally, ISIS extended its influence through 14 affiliates spanning the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia. Its financial network was equally formidable. The group amassed wealth from a diverse array of sources, including bank theft, hostage ransoms, and control of Syrian oil wells—selling oil to both Turkey and the Assad regime. Additional revenue streams included looting, antiquities trafficking, human trafficking, population taxation, and commandeering local economies. At its height, ISIS generated an estimated $3 million daily, achieving an annual income of $2.9 billion, making it one of the wealthiest terrorist groups in modern history. More here…
