New Report Examines Financial Networks Fueling ISKP Attacks on Christians

International Christian Concern (ICC) has released a new report titled “The Terrorism Economy: Islamic State’s Operations Against Christians,” which investigates the financial systems supporting the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). Authored by ICC Fellow Daniel St John, the document analyzes how ISKP generates revenue to facilitate the systematic targeting of Christian communities across Afghanistan, Pakistan, Türkiye, and parts of Europe.

The report details how ISKP utilizes propaganda to frame attacks on Christians as retaliation for Western military actions. It highlights the group's efforts to incite violence during major religious holidays, such as Christmas. By examining the administrative mechanisms behind these operations, the study argues that disrupting the group's financial infrastructure is essential to reducing the threat posed to believers in the region.

Drawing on insights from former Financial Action Task Force President Je-Yoon Shin, the report emphasizes that restricting access to global financial systems is a critical step in limiting the operational capabilities of terrorist organizations. The ICC intends for this research to assist policymakers and advocacy groups in understanding the connection between international Islamist financing and the ongoing persecution of Christians.