ISIS bans televisions to prevent people watching foreign channels

Islamic State has banned televisions in areas under its control to stop people watching foreign channels.

The extremist group has banned televisions and satellite receivers being bought, sold or repaired in ISIS-controlled parts of Syria and Iraq.

ISIS leaders have previously condemned watching television, claiming it spread information that is "incorrect, baseless and false".

It has criticised channels such as Al-Jazeera and Al-Arabiya as well as many Western media outlets over coverage of its occupation of parts of Iraq and Syria.

In recent months militants in some areas of Syria are reported to have entered residents' homes to smash up satellite receivers.

 
Ban: ISIS has released a notice banning TVs

Meanwhile, an investigation by the Financial Times found ISIS makes almost $1billion (£649m) annually and can fund its campaign of twisted terror activity and bloodshed for years to come.

ISIS makes close to $900 (£598m) million each year - predominantly from looting, oil fields and taxes.

Of its income, two-thirds is ploughed right back into its war machine while the rest of its income goes towards the day-to-day running of the territory it holds in Syria and Iraq - which includes major cities Mosul and Raqqa.

A mother who managed to flee ISIS in her home country of Mosul told how hospitals - which are ran on the Islamic State Health Service, an organisation that advertises itself with the NHS font logo - were packed with terror fighters receiving treatment.

However, as someone who is not loyal to ISIS, she was told to bring her own medicine.

Terrorists willing to fight for ISIS are broken into three 'ranks'.

Munasireen

These fighters have not pledged allegiance to Islamic State, and earn between $50 to $150 each month.

Propaganda: Islamic State fighters display their new weaponry

Mubayeen

The Mubayeen fighters earn between $200 (£132) and $300 (£199) a month. They have pledged allegiance to Islamic State, and are seen as the mid-ranking fighters.
Terrorists: ISIS has wreaked havoc across the Middle East

Muhajireen

On average, the Muhajireen militants are paid $600 (£399) a month. However this can go as high as $1,000 (£664). Muhajireen fighters are predominantly foreign fighters who may have a military background after serving in neighbouring countries.

Financial stream: ISIS has been fundraising from supporters across the globe

The probe into ISIS finances claims that it is set up to continue its campaign of terror for three years.

It comes as the organisation showed off new rockets and tanks in propaganda images.

However since RAF jets began bombing ISIS targets in Syria, there are reports that fighters have been forced to take a paycut.

Columb Strack, senior analyst at IHS, said: "There are early indications that the group is struggling to balance its budget, with reports of cuts to fighters’ salaries, price hikes on electricity and other basic services, and the introduction of new agricultural taxes."

"Although ISIS retains its capacity to produce oil, its loss of easy access to Turkey after its defeat in Tal Abyad, and the efforts by Turkish authorities to stop smuggling activities along its border with Syria, have gradually forced the group to rely increasingly on the internal markets in Syria and Iraq to smuggle and sell oil," Strack added.

"Tax revenues are much harder for the US-led coalition to target without having a substantial negative impact on the civilian population, and would most likely be counterproductive," he added.