Washington.- The United States sanctioned on Thursday the chief of finances of the Islamic State (IS) in Somalia, Abdiweli Mohamed Yusuffor generating income that the terrorist organization distributes throughout Africa.
According to a statement from US Treasury Department, Yusuf was declared a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).
The US highlighted its key role in delivering foreign fighters, supplies and ammunition on behalf of IS in Somalia, where the group’s Africa affiliate is based. This center serves as the base for the disbursement of funds and the organization’s networks throughout the continent.
The affiliate generates much of its revenue by extorting financial institutions, specifically targeting local businesses and organizations for money and recruits, often under the threat of violence, according to the US.
“We remain committed to using our authorities in support of the Federal Government of Somalia and its efforts to combat terrorist financing activities that undermine Somalia’s national security and threaten regional stability,” the US Secretary of State said in a statement. USA, Antony Blinken.
For his part, the Undersecretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian E. Nelson, reiterated this commitment to the Somali government’s efforts to “combat terrorist financing and strengthen national and regional stability and security.”
As a result of the issued sanction, all of Yusuf’s properties and interests in the United States will be blocked.
