US sanctions alleged network of al-Qaeda in Brazil

WASHINGTON

The US sanctioned members of an alleged network of al-Qaeda in Brazil on Wednesday.

Three individuals, including Haytham Ahmad Shukri Ahmad Al-Maghrabi, an al-Qaeda operative, and two entities have been designated by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

Al-Maghrabi arrived in Brazil in 2015 and is known as one of the initial members of an al-Qaeda network. He is accused of having contact and business dealings with another al-Qaeda-linked individual, according to the OFAC.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the group and its regional affiliates continue to pose a threat to countries around the world.

"The United States is taking action today to stem the funding of this terrorist group by designating members of a Brazil-based network of al-Qa’ida-affiliated individuals and their companies as Specially Designated Global Terrorists," said Blinken.

The top diplomat said the US is committed to working with partners, including Brazil, to disrupt al-Qaeda's financial support networks.