“The terrorist group uses businessmen to finance its acts of terrorism”
The US Treasury Department on Tuesday imposed sanctions on three Lebanese men and their business that it says support the activities of the terrorist group Hezbollah.
Sanctions imposed by the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control target Adel Diab, Ali Mohamad Daoun, Jihad Salem Alame and their travel agency, Dar Al Salam for Travel & Tourism.
“This action comes at a time when the Lebanese economy is facing an unprecedented crisis and when Hezbollah, as a member of the Lebanese government, is blocking economic reforms and hindering much-needed changes for the Lebanese people,” said one. statement from the Treasury Department.
The Lebanese Shiite group, designated as a terrorist entity by the United States since 2001, “uses businessmen to gain access to material support through the legitimate business sector”, says the US department, “in order to finance its acts of terrorism and its attempts to destabilize political institutions”.
“Hezbollah continues to profit from isolated business ventures and disguised political deals, amassing wealth that the Lebanese people never see,” said Under Secretary of the Treasury Brian Nelson.
He said Tuesday’s decision was aimed at preventing businessmen from raising and laundering funds for the group “while the Lebanese people face worsening economic and humanitarian crises”.
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