Designating Transnational Network Supporting al-Shabaab

The United States is designating sixteen entities and individuals in a transnational network that spans the Horn of Africa, United Arab Emirates, and Cyprus, for facilitating financing and money laundering for the al-Shabaab terrorist organization.

The threat posed by al-Shabaab is not limited to Somalia.  Al-Shabaab’s revenues are disbursed to other al-Qa’ida-linked groups worldwide and help fund al-Qa’ida’s global ambitions to commit acts of terrorism and undermine good governance.

Today’s action reflects the United States’ counterterrorism priorities in Somalia and supports the dynamic relationship we have established with the Somali government to counter the terrorist threats endangering the Somali people and undermining their communities.  The United States also remains focused on disrupting al-Qa’i’da’s access to the international financial system.

The Department of the Treasury actions were taken pursuant to Executive Order 13224, as amended.  For more information on today’s action, see Treasury’s press release.