US designates Lebanese citizens, companies for helping Hezbollah evade sanctions

The Trump administration announced on March 28 that it is sanctioning those who are helping the Hezbollah terror group evade existing U.S. sanctions.

The sanctioned Lebanon-based network of people and entities “oversees commercial projects and oil smuggling networks that generate revenue for Hezbollah,” per the federal government. “Such evasion networks bolster Iran and Hezbollah, undermining Lebanon.”

Friday’s action, coordinated between the U.S. State and Treasury Departments, designates five people and three associated companies, including family members and close associates of prominent Hezbollah officials.

It is part of the Trump administration’s so-called “maximum pressure” policy on Iran and its terror proxies in the Middle East.

“The United States is committed to supporting Lebanon by exposing and disrupting funding schemes for Hezbollah’s terrorist activities and Iran’s destabilizing influence in the region,” the government states.

“Hezbollah cannot be allowed to keep Lebanon captive,” it adds. “The United States will continue using tools at its disposal until this terrorist group no longer threatens the Lebanese people.”

The statement also noted that the State Department’s Rewards for Justice program is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the disruption of the financial mechanisms of Hezbollah.

© JNS