The United States on Tuesday expanded its sanctions regime against Syria, targeting three top government officials, including the foreign minister and the ambassador to Lebanon, DPA reported.
US Treasury Under-secretary David Cohen said the sanctions aimed to bring "additional pressure (on) the entire Government of Syria" by singling out three "principle defenders" of the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators.
The three officials are Foreign and Expatriates Minister Walid Al-Moallem, presidential political and media advisor Bouthaina Shaaban and Syria's ambassador to Lebanon Ali Abdul Karim Ali.
Karim Ali was described as Syria's "primary link" to Lebanon, a key connection given long-standing allegations that Syria continues to interfere in Lebanon's internal politics. He has "maintained close ties to Syrian intelligence throughout his diplomatic career," the US Treasury said.
Earlier this month, the US slapped sanctions against the Commerical Bank of Syria and its Lebanese subsidiary, as well as the country's largest mobile phone provider, Syriatel.
US expands sanctions on Syria
The United States on Tuesday expanded its sanctions regime against Syria, targeting three top government officials, including the foreign minister and the ambassador to Lebanon.
