(Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State) - The U.S. Treasury Department August 15 froze the U.S.-based assets of two Syrian generals as a result of their support for terrorist organizations and their contributions to Syrias military occupation of Lebanon.
In his position with Syrias General Intelligence Directorate, Major General Hisham Ikhtiyar contributed to Syrias policies in Lebanon and provided support for Hezbollah, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command (PFLP-GC), and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), the Treasury says, reports Trend.
Another Syrian military chief, Brigadier General Jama'a Jama'a, served as commander of Syrian military intelligence in Beirut.
Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorist Financing Pat OBrien said Syria has promoted instability and violence in the region for decades.
Until Syria takes concrete steps to become a responsible member of the international community, the United States will make known rogue actors supporting the country's destabilizing agenda, he said.
The executive order under which the generals are designated allows the Treasury Department to freeze the assets of anyone in Syria providing support to terrorist organizations, contributing to Syrias presence in Lebanon, pursuing weapons of mass destruction or working to undermine U.S. stabilization efforts in Iraq. The order also prohibits U.S. persons from doing business with the designated parties.