Daesh allegedly turning churches into torture chambers, pawn ancient relics

Daesh has been utilizing routes for moving oil and weapons to smuggle stolen ancient relics from churches and then sell them on the black market for profit, states Jpost.

These stolen church artifacts and antiques are sold to western collectors to help fund the terrorist organization. 

Experts also believe that the militants have converted the ransacked churches in Qaraqosh into torture chambers for local Christians. The members of Daesh who now run the churches are holding the Christians prisoner and forcing them to convert to Islam.

Although it is unclear what church items have been stolen by the militant terrorist organization, Daesh has made clear that they intend to destroy any religious group that does not agree with their interpretation of Islam. 

“Daesh has a stated goal to wipe out Christianity,” Jay Sekulow, of the American Center for Law and Justice said. “This is why they are crucifying Christians — which includes children — destroying churches and selling artifacts. The reality is, this group will stop at practically nothing to raise funds for its terrorist mission.”

Daesh has conquered and destroyed churches and Christian sites in the past, most notably, this summer when they destroyed the tomb of Jonah in Mosul.