US designates Lebanon-based sanctions evasion network for Hezbollah

The US designated a Lebanon-based sanctions evasion network for Hezbollah on Friday and offered up to $10 million for information leading to the disruption of the financial mechanisms of the group.

“The US 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,” State Department Spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said.

She said the group of five individuals and three associated companies were overseeing “commercial projects and oil smuggling networks that generate revenue for” Hezbollah.

The sanctions also targeted family members and close associates of prominent Hezbollah officials, according to Bruce. ”The United States will continue using tools at its disposal until this terrorist group no longer threatens the Lebanese people,” she said.