Rewards for Justice, the United States Department of State’s counterterrorism rewards program, is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the disruption of the financial systems of ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K). Is. Based in Afghanistan, ISIS-K raises funds through the exploitation of natural resources. This includes obtaining funds from the lucrative talc mines in Nangarhar, Afghanistan, as well as smuggling these resources out of the country.
According to the US Treasury Department, ISIS-K also raises funds through taxation, extortion from local populations and businesses, and receives some financial support from the main ISIS terrorist organization.
ISIS-K finances terrorist operations
ISIS-K’s financial backers also earn income through illicit tobacco sales in Afghanistan and Pakistan. ISIS-K has relied on the informal hawala payment system to transfer funds and finance its activities. The leadership of ISIS-K is also linked to digital currency addresses, which are used for money laundering. As a result of these actions, ISIS-K has been able to procure weapons, train, and finance terrorist operations.
The US State Department is offering a reward for information leading to the identification and disruption of ISIS-K’s revenue sources and key financing mechanisms. Rewards for Justice is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to disruption of the financial systems of ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K).
The US State Department is offering a reward for information leading to the identification and disruption of ISIS-K’s revenue sources and key financing mechanisms.
ISIS-K has taken the lives of hundreds of people
ISIS-K has killed hundreds of Afghan civilians in attacks on schools, mosques, medical facilities and funerals. ISIS-K claimed responsibility for the attack on a Kabul hospital in May 2020, in which 24 people, including newborns and their mothers, were killed. In August 2021, ISIS-K also claimed responsibility for a suicide bomber attack on Kabul International Airport, which killed 13 US service members during the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan.
In September 2022, ISIS-K claimed responsibility for a bombing at a college in a Shia area of Kabul, killing 19 teenagers. On January 3, 2024, ISIS-K carried out two blasts in Kerman, Iran, killing 100 and injuring more than 250. ISIS-K also attacked the Crocus City Hall music venue near Moscow in March 2024, killing at least 137 people.
Also read: New trouble engulfs Afghanistan, see how ISIS-K became a new challenge for Taliban
On January 14, 2016, the US State Department designated ISIS-K as a foreign terrorist organization under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended. Previously, on September 29, 2015, the State Department designated ISIS-K as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist pursuant to Executive Order 13224, as amended.
Subsequently, all ISIS-K assets subject to US jurisdiction and US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in any transactions with ISIS-K. It is a crime to knowingly provide or attempt to provide or conspire to provide support or resources to ISIS-K.
Reward for Justice said, “Terrorist groups like ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K) need funds to finance their violent activities. Help us stop the flow of funds to ISIS-K. Help us prevent. Your information may make you eligible for rewards and relocation.”
Also read: New trouble engulfs Afghanistan, see how ISIS-K became a new challenge for Taliban