New images show ISIS torching alcohol, cigarettes

Photos released by supporters of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) showed militants burning piles of confiscated cigarettes and alcohol allegedly in areas in Iraq and Syria.

In applying their strict interpretation of Islam, the group has banned cigarettes and alcohol in areas they control. Similar photos emerged earlier this year of cigarette boxes collected from shops in Iraq were also set ablaze.

The footage was reportedly shot near Tikrit, Iraq, Britain’s the Daily Mail reported.

isis alcohol

The pictures show dozens of bottles of alcohol, some smashed, in addition to piles of cigarette boxes that are set aflame in later photos.

Cigarettes isis iraq

“Every smoker should be aware that with every cigarette he smokes in a state of trance and vanity he is disobeying god,” a statement, according to the Mail, from the militants said.

However, as their popularity slipped in areas they control, ISIS reversed the ban on cigarettes in Iraq’s Kirkuk in effort to salvage their dwindling following.

isis alcohol

The ban has also led to a spike in alcohol prices. Russia Today reported than a can of Heineken, a Dutch beer, now costs up to $5 as opposed to the pre-ISIS price of $1.

Bottles of whiskey have tripled in price as suppliers now have to take long detours to avoid ISIS militants while delivering products to bars in Iraq.