The US State Department on Tuesday urged allies to joint efforts aimed at “countering Hizballah’s wide-ranging terrorist activities,” as it applauded countries that have already sanctioned the terrorist group. The Iran-backed group has been heavily involved in the crimes being committed against the Syrian people.
Nathan Sales, the US counterterrorism coordinator, urged countries that have not yet taken steps to further disrupt the group’s activities to step up and help “confront this common threat.”
“In particular, we urge our partners to join the U.S.-Europol Law Enforcement Coordination Group. The LECG provides a platform for strong collaboration among more than 25 countries that are confronted by this threat,” Sales told reporters.
Sales stressed that “countering Hizballah is a top priority for the Trump administration.” He said that the United States would pay $12 million rewards for information leading to the arrest of two Hezbollah senior officials, namely Talal Hamiyah and Fuad Shukr.
The Hezbollah militias have taken part in many massacres against the Syrian people since the outbreak of the Syrian revolution in 2011. The Syrian Coalition stressed that the Hezbollah militia is committing “war crimes” as it has been actively involved in fighting against Syrian rebels. It called on the international community to force these militias to withdraw from Syria as was stipulated by international resolutions on Syria.
The US Treasury Department has already announced sanctions against Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and two senior figures for their deep involvement in the party’s activities in Syria since 2012. The Department accused the terrorist group of providing Assad’s forces with training, consulting and extensive logistical support. (Source: Syrian Coalition’s Media Department + Agencies)
