Washington: The United States on Wednesday slapped sanctions on an Iranian general from the elite Qods force as well as three Iraqis living in exile in Syria and Iran for fomenting violence in Iraq.
The US Treasury Department in a statement identified the Iranian general as Brig. General Ahmad Foruzandeh, who it said "leads terrorist operations" against US forces in Iraq and directed assassinations of Iraqi figures.
Economic sanctions were also placed on Syrian-based Al Zawra television station. The sanctioned Iraqis were named as Mishan Al Jaburi, Esmail Hafiz Al Lami and Abu Mustafa Al Sheibani.
"Iran and Syria are fuelling violence and destruction in Iraq. Iran trains, funds and provides weapons to violent Shia extremist groups while Syria provides safe haven to Sunni insurgents and financiers," said Stuart Levey, the Treasury's undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence.
"Today's action brings to light the lethal action of these individuals and we call on the international community to stand with us in isolating them from the global economy," he said.
