Pittenger: Bomb ISIS oil convoys

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TERROR TASK FORCE CHAIRMAN: WHY AREN’T WE TARGETING ISIS OIL SHIPMENTS?

WASHINGTON – Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09), Chairman of the Congressional Task Force on Terrorism, says one of America’s best opportunities to cripple ISIS is to actively target their funding.

Speaking at a House Financial Services Committee hearing on “Terrorist Financing and the Islamic State,” Congressman Pittenger questioned why the United States and our allies aren’t actively targeting ISIS shipments of stolen oil, which is then sold illegally to fund ISIS operations.

“ISIS receives over $1 million each day from the illegal sale of stolen oil,” commented Congressman Pittenger.  “This oil must be shipped out in trucks.  Why aren’t we bombing these convoys?

“The threat from ISIS seems to be growing exponentially.  This summer we were told there were about 15,000 ISIS soldiers.  Now we’re told there are between 40,000 and 80,000 ISIS soldiers.  Our best opportunity is to intercept this transport of funds coming from the sale of oil.

“Another area of real opportunity is with data mining software that’s available.  With the very sophisticated software available, I hope the (Treasury) Department is making every effort to utilize this software to engage these funds as they get into the international financial system.”

Congressman Pittenger serves as Chairman of the Congressional Task Force on Terrorism and Unconventional Warfare and is a Member of the House Committee on Financial Services.

Video highlights of today’s hearing are available here.

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