OFAC designates ISIS-Somalia weapons trafficking network

The US yesterday listed 7 people and 1 entity linked to a weapons trafficking network that is closely integrated with the Islamic State in Somalia (ISIS-Somalia), pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13224. The trafficking network operate primarily between Yemen and Somalia and has strong ties to al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula and al-Shabaab. OFAC Press Release & Notice.

Those listed: Liibaan Yousuf Mohamed; Abdirahman Mohamed Omar; Mahad Isse Aden; Isse Mohamoud Yusuf; Abdirahman Fahiye Isse Mohamud; Mohamed Ahmed Qahiye; Ahmed Haji Ali Haji Omar; and Liibaan General Trading Co.

OFAC also designated Osama Abdelmongy Abdalla Bakr, a supporter of ISIS in Brazil.

This action follows OFAC’s designation of a network of 9 financial facilitators who hold leadership positions within al-Shabaab and act as interlocutors between the group and local Somalian companies on 17 October 2022. This network has also engaged in weapons procurement and recruitment activities for al-Shabaab. The State Department also designated 5 al-Shabaab leaders. OFAC Press Release & Notice, State Department Press Release.

Source: Europeansanctions