U.S Sanction al-Shabaab Operatives in Somalia

WASHINGTON U.S MAY 26- The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has designated Al-Shabaab operatives and illicit charcoal smugglers in Somalia.

The move targeted 26 individuals and entities connected with the al-Shabaab group including 15 financial facilitators and operatives, four charcoal smugglers, and seven of their associated companies.

This action targets key regional leaders, affiliates, and members of the terrorist group in Somalia who are involved in a wide range of activities in support of al-Shabaab, including financial facilitation, business activities, collection of funds on behalf of the terrorist group, proliferation of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and illegal charcoal smuggling from Somalia, all of which have exacerbated local conflicts and suffering.

“Today’s designations highlight al-Shabaab’s reliance on networks of regional and international actors and entities, who provide funds, direct attacks, and enable the group’s malign activities, including the manufacturing and planting of explosives in local communities and fostering corruption,” said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson.

 He added, “The United States remains committed to leveraging our authorities in support of our partners, such as the Federal Government of Somalia, in their efforts to counter terrorist threats, which undermine both national and regional stability and security.”

Among the operatives sanctioned include Mohamed Siidow, described as a finance emir and a commander in the al-shabaab armed wing. He is accused of overseeing illicit taxation operations in the Lower Shabelle.

Also designated were Ali Yare, Mohamed Dauud Gabaane and Suleiman Abdi Dauud, all accused of being finance emirs for al-shabaab.

Mohamed Omar Mohamed is said to be al-Shabaab commissioner in the Dinsor district. He is accused of being responsible for a series of attacks targeting civilians.

The U.S Treasury designated 15 al-Shabaab financial facilitators and operatives and four charcoal smugglers and seven associated companies.

The al-Shabaab shadow governor of Juba region Mohamed Abdullahi Hirey, Ahmed Kabadhe and Mohamed Ali are the notable individuals sanctioned.

“As a result of these actions, all property and interests in property of those designated today that are subject to U.S jurisdiction are blocked, and all U.S persons are generally prohibited from engaging in any transactions with them,” U.S Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.