Hiiraan Online

Washington DC (HOL) - The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed heavy sanctions on 26 individuals and entities linked to the Somali-based terrorist group al-Shabaab, and the Somali Charcoal Smuggling Network, both of which have long been destabilizing the region. This action, announced on Wednesday, specifically targets operatives involved in financial facilitation, illegal business activities, and unlawful charcoal smuggling, which has generated substantial revenue for al-Shabaab.

Al-Shabaab's unlawful activities include imposing taxation on local populations, using Improvised Explosive Devices (I.E.D.s), and participating in extensive revenue generation schemes like kidnappings and forced collection of fees from locals. The Somali Charcoal Smuggling Network, led by several key individuals and their affiliated companies, has been a significant source of income for the group, despite the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2036 in 2012 banning the export and import of Somali charcoal.

Notable figures implicated in this network include Ali Ahmed Naaji, who, since at least 2013, has acted as a supplier and coordinator for the smuggling operation. His company, Jamame Brothers, has maintained deep business ties with countries including the U.A.E., Kenya, Djibouti, China, India, and Pakistan. Bashir Khalif Musse, based in Dubai, and his network of companies, Mariam Barreh, director of Bushra Bachir Shipping and Logistics Services L.L.C., and Abdulwahab Noor Abdi, colloquially known as "Tomato," have all been heavily involved in these smuggling operations.

Brian E. Nelson, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, underlined the Administration's commitment to work in concert with the Somali Government to counter terrorist threats. "Today's designations underscore this dynamic relationship and the U.S.'s ongoing commitment to promote stability and security in the region," he said.

These sanctions align with the Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, which targets terrorist groups and their supporters, and E.O. 13536, which targets actors threatening Somalia's peace, security, or stability. They aim to disrupt the operations of these individuals and their affiliated entities and help counter the destabilizing activities of al-Shabaab in Somalia.

All property and interests of these individuals and their affiliated companies within the U.S. are now blocked and must be reported to OFAC. Transactions by U.S. persons or within the U.S. that involve these designated individuals or entities are generally prohibited unless authorized by a specific or general license issued by OFAC. Financial institutions and other persons engaging in transactions with these entities risk exposure to sanctions or enforcement action.

This move also raises the prospect of secondary sanctions, in which OFAC can prohibit or impose conditions on foreign financial institutions opening or maintaining U.S.-based correspondent accounts on behalf of a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.

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