The US has taken its first action against ISIS-Somalia, sanctioning seven individuals and one entity with ties to the terrorist affiliate.
The latest actions build on recent moves by the State and Treasury departments against al-Shabaab, and several of those sanctioned Tuesday also has ties to that militant group.
“Many of the relevant individuals are also involved in other illegal activities, including piracy and environmental crimes, demonstrating their integration with illicit networks operating in the region,” State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a separate statement.
Also designated is Abdiqadr Mumin, the leader of ISIS-Somalia, on August 11, 2016, as Specially Designated Global Terrorists pursuant to Executive Order 13224. ISIS has increasingly sought to generate revenue in East Africa.
ISIS-Somalia, which continues to conduct terrorist attacks against civilians, generates much of its funding by extorting local communities for funding and recruits.
The group punishes, intimidates, and assassinates Somali businessmen and civilians who do not support it financially or provide supplies.
