The US, in coordination with the UN Security Council's Libya Sanctions Committee, imposed Wednesday financial sanctions on Libyan militia leader Ibrahim Jadhran.
The Department of State noted in a statement that in June, "forces led by Jadhran violently attacked and seized control of the Libyan oil ports Ras Lanuf and Al Sidra." It added that "this created an economic and political crisis that cost Libya more than USD 1.4 billion in revenue and set back efforts to promote political progress and stability in Libya." "Libya's oil facilities, production, and revenues belong to the Libyan people.
These vital Libyan resources must remain under the exclusive control of the legitimate National Oil Corporation (NOC) and the sole oversight of the Government of National Accord (GNA), as emphasized in multiple UN Security Council Resolutions," the statement stressed.
It indicated that "in accordance with today's UN listing, which was proposed by Libya's Permanent Mission to the UN, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has designated Jadhran pursuant to Executive Order 13726." Consequently, all of Jadhran's assets within US jurisdiction are blocked and US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with him. In addition, the corresponding UN sanctions require all UN Member States to impose an asset freeze and travel ban.
"Today's action shows that the United States and the international community will take concrete and forceful action in response to those who undermine Libya's peace, security, or stability," the statement affirmed.