The United States on Wednesday expanded its sanctions against Syrian officials and companies tied to the regime as it pressures Damascus over human rights abuses and violence against civilians, dpa reported.
The Treasury Department named 29 officials, five companies tied to the government agency that develops and produces biological and chemical weapons and missiles, and a company owned by an associate of President Bashar al-Assad.
The designated individuals include the finance minister, justice minister and governor of the Syrian Central Bank.
"Today's actions reflect the unwavering commitment of the United States to pressure the Assad regime to end the carnage and relinquish power," Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence David S Cohen said.