The UN Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution aimed at cracking down on the financing of terrorist groups and calling for sanctions on individuals and companies trading oil produced by the Islamic State and other al-qaida linked groups. The Russian-sponsored resolution, co-sponsored by the United States and many other council members, requires all 193 UN member states to take "appropriate steps" to prevent the trade in antiquities and other items of historical, cultural, rare scientific and religious importance illegally removed from Syria. A similar ban already exists for antiquities from Iraq. The resolution adopted on Thursday also reaffirms that it is illegal to pay ransom to individuals and groups that are already subject to UN sanctions, and that all countries are required to freeze such funds.
