G7 Agreement to Combat Financial Support for Terrorist Networks

The seven major economic powers of the world emphasized the fight against financial support for terrorist networks. After two days of negotiations in northern Japan, the G7 countries agreed on sharing information, seizing the assets of individuals and groups involved in terrorism, and tightening regulations related to international financial transactions. According to a report from Agence France-Presse on Saturday, June 1, the G7 stated after their meeting: "Combating violent extremism and bringing criminals to justice will remain a top priority for the international community." The G7 includes Canada, Germany, France, Japan, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Fighting the financial networks of terrorist groups, primarily the Islamic State (ISIS), is one of the main strategies of the global community against these groups. Just two days ago, the U.S. added ISIS branches in Libya, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia to its list of terrorist organizations. This paves the way for expanding existing sanctions and restrictions against these groups. According to CNN, previously, branches of the Islamic State in Algeria, the Sinai Peninsula, Syria, the Caucasus, and Africa had also been included in the U.S. terrorist list. Reuters reported, citing the U.S. Treasury Department, that it has sanctioned six individuals for financing and transferring weapons and personnel to the Islamic State, Al-Qaeda, Al-Nusra Front, and Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. Nayef Al-Qaisi and Mustafa Mohammed are two of the individuals mentioned. In September 2015, the United States had also sanctioned 30 leaders and affiliates of the Islamic State worldwide. The Islamic State currently controls vast areas of Iraq, Syria, and Libya, and affiliated groups are engaged in terrorist activities in various countries around the world.