Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions targeting militia leaders and groups believed to have committed violent acts against civilians in Syria. The Foreign Office announced that assets have been frozen for three groups and four commanders connected to alleged atrocities during clashes in coastal areas, where approximately 1,400 people lost their lives earlier this year, as well as during the ongoing Syrian civil war.
In addition to the militia leaders, two Syrian-Russian businessmen are also facing sanctions due to their financial backing of the former regime of President Bashar al-Assad. The UK government has imposed measures including asset freezes, travel bans, and restrictions on serving as company directors within the UK on these individuals.
The foreign secretary emphasized the importance of justice and accountability for all Syrians to pave the way for a sustainable and successful political resolution following the unexpected fall of Assad’s regime in 2024. According to her, “These designations send a clear message to those who seek to undermine the peaceful and prosperous future of all Syrians.” The UK remains committed to collaborating with the Syrian government to support economic recovery and ensure a future that embraces the needs and voices of all Syrians.
The conflict intensified after Islamist-led rebels ousted Assad last December, revealing deep sectarian divisions within the country. Violence erupted along Syria’s coast this spring, involving security forces predominantly made up of Sunni Muslims and armed groups linked to the former regime. These altercations took place in the Alawite heartland, the sect to which Assad belongs. During Assad’s 24-year rule, peaceful protests were violently suppressed, contributing to a 13-year civil war that resulted in over half a million deaths.
The sanctioned individuals include Ghaith Dalla and Miqdad Fatiha, both former senior regime military commanders and leaders of pro-regime militia groups; Mohammad al-Jasim, commander of the Sultan Suleiman Shah militia; Sayf Boulad, commander of the Hamza Division militia; as well as Mudallal Khoury and Imad Khoury, the Syrian-Russian businessmen who supported the Assad regime financially. Alongside them, the militant groups Sultan Murad Division, Sultan Suleiman Shah Division, and Hamzat Division have also been subjected to asset freezes.
Earlier this year, following the regime change, the UK lifted asset freezes on several Syrian entities, including government departments and the central bank. The then Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, visited Syria in July and held talks with interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.