European Union added another group and three individuals to its list of sanctions against terrorism
The Council of the European Union announced that it has decided to add a group and three individuals to the list of those subject to restrictive measures against ISIL / Da’esh and Al-Qaeda, related groups, persons, and associated entities.
Through a press release, the Council also stated that the move targets Sidan Ag-Hitta and Salem ould Breihmatt, senior commanders within the Nusra al-Islam Wal-Muslim Jamaat, linked to the UN-linked al-Qaeda.
At the same time, the restrictions also target the latter’s Burkinabe branch Ansarul Islam and its leader Jafar Dicko, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
“The sanctioned group and individuals are responsible for several terrorist attacks, including against civilians, the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali and defence and security forces in Burkina Faso,” the statement reads.
According to the Council, the contribution of their activities also expands the terrorist threat in West Africa. It, therefore, poses a serious and ongoing threat to the EU, regional and international stability.
It has been revealed that a total of 13 people are already subject to travel bans and asset freezes, and four groups are freezing assets.
“Today’s decision confirms the EU’s unwavering resolve to combat the enduring terrorist threat posed by Al-Qaeda, ISIL/Da’esh and all their regional affiliates,” the Council emphasizes.
The EU continues to be committed to taking decisive action against those who threaten international peace and security by planning, financing and carrying out terrorist attacks and spreading their deadly terrorist propaganda worldwide.
At the same time, the EU has also deployed various initiatives in the Sahel as part of an integrated approach to combating terrorism. The initiatives include supporting displaced people fleeing violence and providing food and basic goods to the Sahel population.
According to the Commission, the population of Sahel suffers due to the dire humanitarian situation, as a result of which the EU authorities are working with the local authorities in these regions to provide social and economic opportunities to these populations.
In late May, the Council had added a group and two individuals to its list of those subject to restrictive measures against ISIL / Da’esh and Al-Qaeda.
The restrictive measures targeted Hurras al-Din, a Syrian-linked al-Qaeda-linked group led by its leader Farooq al-Suri, and its religious leader, Sami al-Aridi.
The Council also noted that the affiliated group operates on behalf of al-Qaeda and has been involved in planning foreign terrorist operations.
According to the Council, in addition to its objectives, the group had set up operational camps in Syria, which provided terrorist training to all members.
Source: Schengen Visa Info
