The militant group al-Shabab, which has members in senior positions and operates out of Somalia, was sanctioned by the Treasury Department of the US on Monday. These individuals serve as crucial middlemen between the group and Somalian businesses.
More than a dozen people from Somalia and Yemen who are active in al-finance Shabab’s operations, which employ those funds to aid in weapons purchase and recruitment efforts, were subject to penalties by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. One member is said to have utilised virtual currency to conceal funds for the organisation.
The State Department on Monday designated five al-Shabab commanders for diplomatic sanctions in addition to the Treasury sanctions.
“Treasury is focused on identifying and disrupting al-Shabab’s illicit networks operating in Eastern Africa,” said Brian E. Nelson, Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.
“We will continue to take action against the weapons smuggling and fundraising activities of al-Shabab and other al-Qaeda affiliates.”
In 2012, al-Shabab formally merged with al-Qaeda, the terrorists group established by Osama bin Laden. The organisation has supported al-Qaeda operation around the world and retains close ties to the organisation’s senior officials.
According to the United States, Al-Shabab earns about $100 million annually via extorting local companies and people, obtaining fees on goods, and facilitating illegal trades.
Recall, on October 3, Abdullahi Nadir, one of the founders of the insurgents organisation al Shabaab, was killed in an operation with foreign allies. He served as al Shabaab’s top prosecutor and was next in line to succeed the ill Ahmed Diriye as organisation leader.
Tens of thousands of people have been killed by explosions carried out by Al Shabaab terrorists since 2006 as they battle to topple Somalia’s Western-backed central government and impose their interpretation of Islamic rule.