US Sanctions 5 Al-Shabab Commanders, 4 Charcoal Smugglers

The United States has targeted mid-level al-Shabab commanders and multiple junior finance officers with new sanctions.  The U.S. State Department designated five commanders of the Somali militant group as global terrorists, while the U.S. Treasury designated 26 individuals and entities, including charcoal smugglers.  Four of the five sanctioned are accused of involvement in collecting taxes for al-Shabab and attacks on civilians and Somali forces.  The U.S. reported that al-Shabab generates an estimated $100 million annually that is collected through illicit taxations, mandatory donations and extortions.  Among the operatives newly sanctioned is Mohamed Siidow, who is described
webdesk@voanews.com (Harun Maruf)
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