The United States on Tuesday imposed punitive measures against two Syrian money transfer offices that it says help the government maintain access to the international financial system despite sanctions. It was Washington’s first move against Syria since rejoining the Arab League.
In a statement, the U.S. Treasury Department accused two money transfer offices, al-Fadal Exchange and al-Adam Exchange Company, of corrupting the government of President Bashar al-Assad and its allies Hezbollah and Iran’s Quds Force, an offshoot of the revolutionary. Guards (IRGC), to assist.
The sanctions, imposed under the Caesar Act, which imposes tougher sanctions on Syria in 2020, come after Arab countries earlier this month turned sides on their years-long conflict with Assad and reinstated Syria into the Arab League. A milestone. His regional rehabilitation, even if the West continued to ignore him after years of civil war.
Regional countries – Saudi Arabia, Qatar and others – have backed anti-Assad rebels for years, but the Syrian army – backed by Iran, Russia and paramilitary groups – has retaken much of the country. Frosty relations with Assad began to thaw rapidly after the devastating earthquakes in Syria and Turkey in February.
The US has said that it cannot normalize relations with Assad and that Syria is not eligible to re-enter the Arab League.
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