US sanctions 'evasion network' supporting 'Hezbollah finance operations'

The United States said Friday that it slapped sanctions on a Lebanon-based “sanctions evasion network” that supports Hezbollah’s “finance team, which oversees commercial projects and oil smuggling networks that generate revenue for Hezbollah.”

“Such evasion networks bolster Iran and Hezbollah, undermining Lebanon. As part of today’s action, the United States is designating five individuals and three associated companies, including family members and close associates of prominent Hezbollah officials,” the U.S. State Department said in a statement.

“This action supports the whole-of-government policy of maximum pressure on Iran and its terrorist proxies, like Hezbollah, as detailed in National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 issued on February 4,” the statement said.

It added that the United States is “committed to supporting Lebanon by exposing and disrupting funding schemes for Hezbollah’s terrorist activities and Iran’s destabilizing influence in the region.”

“Hezbollah cannot be allowed to keep Lebanon captive. The United States will continue using tools at its disposal until this terrorist group no longer threatens the Lebanese people,” the statement said.