US Treasury sanctions ISIS operatives in South Africa
The United States Treasury has sanctioned two alleged ISIS operatives in South Africa, accusing them of using robberies and kidnappings to fund the terror group.
According to the US Abubakar Swalleh, active in South Africa and Zambia, and Zayd Gangat, a facilitator and trainer, are linked to a wider ISIS network across Africa.
ISIS leaders in South Africa have historically used robbery, extortion, and kidnap-for-ransom operations to generate funds for the group.
The sanctions freeze their US assets and bar US citizens from doing business with them.
“Today’s action underscores the crucial work of the Counter ISIS Finance Group and the importance of effective information sharing among Coalition countries to target ISIS’s facilitation networks,” said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson.
“While we have made considerable progress over the nearly ten years since the establishment of this working group, we must all remain vigilant because ISIS continues to develop new financial methods.
“The United States, in close coordination with our key partners, remains committed to disrupting the key nodes that enable disparate ISIS groups to work together and their ability to finance the group’s terrorist activities.”
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