There’s probably not much to enjoy about life as an ISIS fighter, what with the squalid living conditions, constant brutality, imminent threat of death, and so on. Now, on top of all that, ISIS fighters are also taking a major reduction in their wages.
According to the Congressional Research Service, “ISIS soldiers earn between $400 and $1,200 a month, plus a $50 stipend for their wives and $25 for each child.” But, rattled by recent coalition victories, the Islamic State has now been forced to cut soldiers’ income. CNN reports that an internal memorandum issued by the group’s leaders recently broke the news:
“On account of the exceptional circumstances the Islamic State is facing, it has been decided to reduce the salaries that are paid to all mujahideen by half, and it is not allowed for anyone to be exempted from this decision, whatever his position.”
Hopefully savvy killers will take this as a sign that it’s time to explore another line of work.