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The Al-Ashtar Brigades: A Target of U.S. Operations
Over the past few years, the Al-Ashtar Brigades have emerged as a prominent militant group in the Middle East. Operating primarily in Bahrain, this Shiite organization has caught the attention of the United States and become a subject of their targeting efforts. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons behind the U.S. focus on the Al-Ashtar Brigades and the implications of their operations.
The Rise of the Al-Ashtar Brigades
The Al-Ashtar Brigades, also known as Saraya Al-Ashtar, were formed in 2013 to overthrow the Bahraini government and establish a Shiite-led state. The group is believed to have close ties to Iran and receives support, both financial and military, from the Islamic Republic. Their activities primarily involve carrying out attacks against security forces and government institutions in Bahrain.
Since its inception, the Al-Ashtar Brigades have managed to gain a significant following and have become a major player in the ongoing sectarian tensions in the region. Their operations have intensified over the years, leading to an increase in violence and instability in Bahrain.
The U.S. Targeting Efforts
The United States has designated the Al-Ashtar Brigades as a terrorist organization and has taken steps to disrupt their activities. The U.S. government views the group as a threat to regional stability and considers its actions as a means to further Iranian influence in the Middle East.
One of the primary reasons for the U.S. targeting of the Al-Ashtar Brigades is their alleged involvement in attacks against American personnel and interests in the region. The U.S. has accused the group of carrying out bombings and other acts of violence that have resulted in the deaths of both civilians and security forces.
In response to these threats, the U.S. has implemented various measures to counter the Al-Ashtar Brigades. These include intelligence sharing with Bahraini authorities, targeted airstrikes against key members of the group, and efforts to disrupt their financial networks.
The Implications of U.S. Targeting
While the U.S. targeting of the Al-Ashtar Brigades is aimed at neutralizing the group and reducing their influence, it also has wider implications for the region.
Firstly, the U.S. actions against the Al-Ashtar Brigades have the potential to escalate tensions between Iran and the United States. As the group is believed to have close ties to Iran, any military operations targeting them could be seen as an attack on Iranian interests.
Secondly, the targeting of the Al-Ashtar Brigades may further polarize the sectarian divide in Bahrain and the wider Middle East. The group represents the Shiite population in Bahrain, which has long complained of discrimination and marginalization by the Sunni-led government. By targeting the Al-Ashtar Brigades, the U.S. risks alienating the Shiite community and exacerbating existing tensions.
Lastly, the U.S. targeting of the Al-Ashtar Brigades may have unintended consequences for regional stability. As the group becomes weakened, other extremist organizations may seek to fill the void, leading to a potential increase in violence and instability in Bahrain and the surrounding countries.
In conclusion, the Al-Ashtar Brigades have become a subject of U.S. targeting due to their perceived threat to American interests and regional stability. While the U.S. actions are aimed at neutralizing the group, they also carry wider implications for the region. It remains to be seen how these efforts will shape the future of the Al-Ashtar Brigades and the ongoing sectarian tensions in the Middle East.
WASHINGTON — Today, the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is cooperating with the Kingdom of Bahrain to target senior Iran-based operators and a financial facilitator for the designated terrorist group Al-Ashtar Brigades. In 2018, the Department of State recognized Al-Ashtar Brigades as both a foreign terrorist organization and a specially recognized global terrorist.
“Today’s action, taken in coordination with the Kingdom of Bahrain, underscores our collective commitment to disrupting Iran’s destabilizing forces and threats, particularly those that threaten our regional and global partners,” said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian E. Nelson.
Today’s designations emphasize the Iranian regime’s vital involvement in supporting the Al-Ashtar Brigades. In 2018, the Bahraini government accused multiple people of terrorism-related acts. A number of these people escaped Bahrain to avoid prison terms and settled in Iran, which has always supported and continues to provide a haven for terrorist organizations. These persons are being named under Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as modified, which targets terrorist groups and their sympathizers.
AL-ASHTAR BRIGADES OPERATIONS IN IRAN.
Hussein Ahmad Abdullah Ahmad Hussein Al-Dammam (Al-Dammam) has been involved in delivering deadly supplies to Bahrain in support of the Al-Ashtar Brigades. Previously, the Bahraini government investigated Al-Dammam for attempted murder, terrorism, explosives, and other offenses, and he fled to Iran after being sentenced and his assets seized.
Ali Abdulnabi Ahmed Ebrahim M. Alshafa, an Al-Ashtar Brigades member located in Iran, is suspected of facilitating deadly aid in the Middle East.
Hasan Ahmed Radhi Husain Sarhan, an Al-Ashtar Brigades member residing in Iran, has been linked to terrorist plots in Bahrain.
Isa Saleh Isa Mohamed Salman (Salman) is an Iranian-based Al-Ashtar Brigades banker who handles money transfers for the group. On multiple occasions, Salman enabled money transfers into Bahrain.
Hussein Ahmad ‘Abdallah Ahmad Hussein Al-Dammam, Ali Abdulnabi Ahmed Ebrahim M Alshafa, Hasan Ahmed Radhi Husain Sarhan, and Isa Saleh Isa Mohamed Salman have materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Al-Ashtar Brigades, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked under E.O. 13224.
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SANCTIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
As a result of today’s action, any property and interests in property of the designated people indicated above that are in the United States or the ownership or control of US citizens are frozen and must be reported to OFAC. Furthermore, any entities owned, directly or indirectly, individually or collectively, by one or more blocked people are blocked. Unless allowed by a general or special license given by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC’s regulations typically prohibit any transactions by US individuals or inside (or transiting) the United States involving any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise banned people.
Furthermore, financial institutions and anyone who participates in specific transactions or activities with sanctioned firms and people may face sanctions or enforcement action. The restrictions include making a donation or providing monies, goods, or services to, for, or for the benefit of any listed person, as well as receiving a contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.
The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions stem not only from OFAC’s capacity to designate and add people to the SDN List, but also from its readiness to remove people from the SDN List in compliance with the law. The ultimate purpose of penalties is not to punish, but to encourage good behavior and change. For details on how to request removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please visit OFAC’s Frequently Asked Question 897 here. For further information on how to make a request for removal from an OFAC sanctions list, please go here.
It is a Treasury priority to resolve unexpected consequences for the humanitarian sector and ensure that humanitarian groups continue to have the financial resources they need to carry out life-saving activities. OFAC sanctions programs that implement Executive Order 13224 include humanitarian-related general licenses, such as authorizations to allow the flow of lawful humanitarian aid to vulnerable people. Designated persons, including the individuals and businesses named today, are not entitled to use the applicable authorizations.
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