Daesh militants are relying on non-military components coming from the United States, Japan and other countries to make bombs and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), a study finds.
According to findings by London-based Conflict Armament Research (CAR), most of the components, including chemicals, fertilizers, wire, and electronics, are being funneled through Turkey to the areas under Daesh control in Iraq and Syria.
The researchers analyzed the origins of over 700 components recovered from Daesh bomb-making workshops and its unexploded bombs and found out that the parts had been legally acquired.
The group also identified that 51 companies in 20 countries, including European and US firms, were involved in the supply chain that would lead to deadly endings.
The most frequently used explosive was made with ammonium nitrate, a fertilizer. The terrorist group’s favorite mobile phone, used for remote detonation, was the Nokia 105, according to the report released on Wednesday.
The report said it is unclear whether local distributors knew where their goods ended up, noting that some of the producers and distributors did not answer requests for information.
Daesh militants have been carrying out horrific acts of violence, such as public decapitations and crucifixions, against all communities, including Shias, Sunnis, Kurds, and Christians, in the areas they have overrun.