In accordance with paragraph 13 of resolution 1822 (2008) and subsequent related resolutions, the ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee makes accessible a narrative summary of reasons for the listing for individuals, groups, undertakings and entities included in the ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List.
Ansar al-Islam was listed on 24 February 2003 pursuant to paragraphs 1 and 2 of resolution 1390 (2002) being associated with Al-Qaida, Usama bin Laden or the Taliban for “participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing or perpetrating of acts or activities by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf or in support of”, “supplying, selling or transferring arms and related materiel to” or “otherwise supporting acts or activities of” Al-Qaida (QDe.004) and Usama bin Laden.
Ansar al-Islam, formerly known as Jund al-Islam, is a terrorist group operating in northeastern Iraq with close links to and support from Al-Qaida (QDe.004). Al-Qaida and Usama bin Laden (deceased) participated in the formation and funding of Ansar al-Islam, and Ansar al-Islam has provided safe haven to Al-Qaida in northeastern Iraq. Ansar al-Islam’s predecessor, Jund al-Islam, was formed in September 2001. Ansar al-Islam came into being with the blessing of Bin Laden after its leaders visited Al-Qaida in Afghanistan in 2000 and 2001. Bin Laden provided Ansar al-Islam with an estimated USD 300,000 to USD 600,000 in seed money.
Ansar al-Islam has received training and logistical assistance from Al-Qaida. Members of Ansar al-Islam have traveled to Afghanistan to train with the organization, while Ansar al-Islam’s non-Iraqi members are believed to be Al-Qaida trained veterans of conflicts in Afghanistan and Chechnya, the Russian Federation.
Ansar al-Islam also cooperated closely with senior Al-Qaida operative Ahmad Fadil Nazal al-Khalayleh (deceased), also known as Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, whose network established a poisons and explosives training center in northeastern Iraq controlled by Ansar al-Islam. Zarqawi’s lieutenants helped run this camp, which has taught operatives how to produce ricin and other poisons.
Ansar al-Islam has conducted attacks in northeastern Iraq. This organization has been located and primarily active in northern Iraq, but also maintained a presence in western and central Iraq.