US seizes assets of Syrian military chief

Washington: The United States has frozen the American assets of a Syrian military intelligence chief, accusing him of contributing to terrorism in the region.

The Treasury Department has also banning US citizens from doing business with Asef Shawkat, the brother in law of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad.

White House spokesman Scott McClellan said Shawkat was "deeply involved in Syria's ongoing interference in the destabilisation of Lebanon.?

However it is not clear if Shawkat has any assets in the United States.

"Today's action is a significant signal that those like Mr. Shawkat who support Syrian terrorism will be held to account," added McClellan.