The United States Treasury Department announced sanctions on Tuesday against four individuals accused of supporting the Al-Ashtar Brigades, a militant group designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the US in 2018. The move highlights Washington’s ongoing efforts to counter Iranian regime influence in the Middle East.
Targeting Iranian Proxy
The Treasury Department, in coordination with Bahrain, blacklisted four individuals linked to the Al-Ashtar Brigades. The group, founded in 2013, aims to overthrow Bahrain’s monarchy and has carried out numerous attacks within the country, according to US intelligence.
Financial Disruption
The sanctions target the Brigades’ financial network. One of those sanctioned, Hussein Al-Dammami, is accused of facilitating funding for the group. He reportedly fled Bahrain to Iran after facing terrorism charges. The other three individuals, identified as Ali M Alshofa, Hasan Sarhan, and Isa Salman, are also believed to be based in Iran.
The sanctions freeze any assets the individuals may have under US jurisdiction and prohibit American entities from doing business with them. This action aims to disrupt the Al-Ashtar Brigades’ operations and hinder their ability to raise funds.
Countering Iran’s Influence
The US move comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. Iran regime’s support for militant groups like the Houthis in Yemen and Hamas in Palestine has been a point of contention with the US and its allies. The Biden administration, while seeking to de-escalate tensions, has emphasized its commitment to countering Iranian aggression and its proxy forces.
