Security Council concerned about illicit oil trade as revenue for terrorists in Iraq, Syria
28 July 2014
Voicing grave concern over the reported access to and seizure of oilfields and pipelines in Syria and Iraq by the
Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and Jabhat Al-Nusra, the Security Council today underscored that there
should be no trade in oil with these terrorist groups.
In a presidential statement, the 15-member body underscored that “any trade of oil with these entities would be
inconsistent with the Council’s resolutions and that all States are required to ensure that their nationals and any
persons within their territory do not trade in oil with these entities.”
The Council strongly condemned any engagement in direct or indirect trade of oil from Syria and Iraq involving terrorist
groups, and emphasized that such engagement constitutes financial support for terrorists.
“The Security Council notes with concern that any oilfields and related infrastructure controlled by terrorist
organizations could generate material income for terrorists, which would support their recruitment efforts, including of
foreign terrorist fighters, and strengthen their operational capability to organize and carry out terrorist attacks.
All States were reminded that they are required to ensure that their nationals and anyone within their territory not
engage in any commercial or financial transactions with or for the benefit, directly or indirectly, of ISIL and Jabhat
Al-Nusra with respect to oil in Syria and Iraq.
ENDS