The U.S. Sanctions 'Al-Ashtar Brigades' Operatives in Iran in Coordination with Bahrain

The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced in a statement that the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is taking action in coordination with Bahrain against key operatives of the 'terrorist group Al-Ashtar Brigades' based in Iran, as well as against a financial facilitator for this group. The U.S. State Department designated the 'Al-Ashtar Brigades' as a 'foreign terrorist organization' and a 'global terrorist' in 2018. Being placed on these lists carries significant separate consequences for individuals or groups. Brian Nelson, the U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, referred to the coordinated action by the U.S. and Bahrain as a 'collective commitment to disrupt Iran's destabilizing forces and threats, particularly those that threaten our partners in the region and around the world.' The Treasury Department's statement highlighted the important role that the Iranian regime plays in supporting the Al-Ashtar Brigades. In 2018, the Bahraini government accused many individuals of terrorism. The Treasury statement noted that several of these individuals fled Bahrain to escape punishment and settled in Iran. The Treasury stated that three of the sanctioned individuals are in Iran, and another fled from Bahrain to Iran on charges of attempted murder, terrorism, and possession of explosives to evade punishment. These four support the group known as the Al-Ashtar Brigades and face accusations such as terrorism and facilitating the transfer of money to Bahrain. Brian Nelson had traveled to Iraq and the UAE last February to counteract the circumvention of sanctions against the Islamic Republic. Reuters also reported on Monday that European Union leaders are preparing to impose 'new and significant measures' against the Islamic Republic due to Iran's military support for Russia's attack on Ukraine. Canada has sanctioned the CEO of Tehran Metro and a member of parliament for 'ongoing violations' of the rights of Iranian women. A member of parliament warned that Turkey is taking Iran's share in the Iraqi market. The U.S. has sanctioned a network supported by the Quds Force that is active in transporting goods for the Houthis. Exclusive: Disclosure of a multi-million dollar embezzlement using 'fake SWIFTs' at the Khatam al-Anbia headquarters of the IRGC.