UK Sanctions Syrian Militia Leaders Over Civilian Attacks and Violence

The United Kingdom has announced fresh sanctions targeting Syria-based militia leaders and their networks, accusing them of violence against civilians. The measures will freeze assets, bar travel, and restrict UK business roles for the individuals and groups named.

Three armed groups and four senior commanders are targeted, along with two financiers linked to the Assad regime. The named groups are the Sultan Murad Division, the Sultan Suleiman Shah Division, and the Hamza Division. The four commanders are Ghaith Dalla, Miqdad Fatiha, Mohammad al-Jasim, and Sayf Boulad. The two financiers are Mudallal Khoury and Imad Khoury.

Individuals and groups named will face an asset freeze, a travel ban, and a ban on serving as directors in UK companies.

These sanctions come amid renewed violence along Syria’s coast and ongoing sectarian tensions within the country. They reflect a long history of conflict that has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives during the more than a decade-long civil war. The measures are designed to push for accountability and to support a political settlement that includes all Syrians.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stressed that accountability is essential for a durable peace, adding that the designations send a clear message to those who would hinder a hopeful future for Syria. She also reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting economic recovery and governance that respects the rights of all citizens.

Earlier this year, London lifted asset freezes on some Syrian state bodies, including government departments and the central bank, following leadership changes. In July, a UK minister visited the country to engage with its interim authorities as part of ongoing diplomacy.

Sanctions in detail

• Ghaith Dalla — former senior regime military commander and head of a pro-regime militia
• Miqdad Fatiha — former military commander and head of a pro-regime militia
• Mohammad al-Jasim — commander of the Sultan Suleiman Shah militia
• Sayf Boulad — commander of the Hamza Division militia
• Mudallal Khoury — Syrian-Russian businessman accused of financing regime activities
• Imad Khoury — Syrian-Russian businessman accused of financing regime activities

In addition, the three named militias—the Sultan Murad Division, the Sultan Suleiman Shah Division, and the Hamza Division—were placed under asset freezes as part of these sanctions.

Expert comment: Analysts say the measures aim to deter funding and leadership of violence, reinforcing Western resolve to hold perpetrators accountable. The sanctions also signal support for a more inclusive future for Syrians.

Summary: The United Kingdom has targeted Syria-based militias and their financiers with asset freezes and travel bans, aiming to disrupt networks of violence and to push for accountability. The move is part of broader diplomatic efforts to stabilize Syria and promote economic recovery that serves all citizens.

Key insight: Targeted sanctions against militia leaders and financial backers are a strategic tool to pressure violent actors and support a credible path to a peaceful, inclusive future for Syria. BBC

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