Today, the European Union approved the imposition of additional "restrictive" sanctions against 6 individuals and 5 entities, including an economic advisor to the Syrian regime's president, Bashar al-Assad, and three prominent businessmen who support and benefit from the regime, along with two individuals associated with the Assad family.

The European Union, in a statement released on Monday, indicated that "restrictive measures" would also be applied to five companies supporting and benefiting from the Syrian regime. These include the Dijlah Group, Al-Sham Wings Company, Free Bird Travel Agency, Eloma Private Investment Company, and Al-Aqeelah Company.

The statement further explained that "some of these entities are involved in the transport of Syrian mercenaries, arms trade, drug trafficking, or money laundering, thereby supporting the activities of the Syrian regime."

The statement clarified that individuals under the sanctions regime would have their assets frozen, and direct or indirect provision of funds or economic resources to them or for their benefit is prohibited. Additionally, a travel ban to the European Union applies to the listed individuals.

Mahmoud Al-Daj leading the list

The executive list of the decision included imposing sanctions on individuals and entities providing support to the Syrian regime, with Syrian businessman Mahmoud Al-Daj leading the list. Al-Daj, who holds Libyan citizenship, owns multiple companies operating in various sectors such as logistics and tourism.

Al-Daj manages the "Free Bird" travel agency, which serves as an agent for Sham Airlines, conducting frequent flights between Syria and Libya and engaging in the smuggling of mercenaries and drugs.

According to the list, Al-Daj facilitates illicit transactions between individuals and entities associated with the regime in Syria and Eastern Libya, including drugs, weapons shipments, and mercenaries. "His close ties with the Syrian regime enable him to achieve this position, benefiting both him and his businesses from this relationship."

The list further adds, "On the other hand, his activities are supported by the Syrian regime, allowing him access to illicit revenues. Therefore, he benefits from the Syrian regime and provides support to it."

The economic interface of Bashar al-Assad

The executive list included Yasir Hussein Ibrahim, who works as an economic advisor to the Syrian regime's president and is involved in the Economic Council managed by Asma al-Assad.

Yasir Ibrahim, in collaboration with Ali Najib Ibrahim, manages several fictitious companies and serves as a front for the business activities of Bashar al-Assad and Asma al-Assad. The European Union has determined that Yasir Ibrahim benefits from and supports the Syrian regime.

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The Naal and the Engineer of the Solidarity Massacre.

The list pointed to Bilal Naal, a member of the Syrian-Russian Business Council, who owns multiple companies established or participated in, primarily engaged in trade and investment in Syria. This makes him a significant player in the economic relations between Russia and the Syrian regime.

Naal is also a member of the People's Council and a former member of the Damascus Provincial Council. He has connections with Fadi Saqr, the leader of the National Defense Militia in Damascus, who is considered the mastermind behind the group responsible for the Massacre of Solidarity and its Shabiha forces.

Sister of Asma al-Assad and Her Cousin's Son

The list included the head of the Syrian-Iranian Joint Chamber of Commerce, Fahd Droubi, who owns and manages several businesses in Syria operating in various sectors such as trade and pharmaceuticals.

The list also highlighted that Mohannad Al-Dabbagh, Asma al-Assad's cousin's son, and his brother Feras Al-Akhras benefit from the Syrian regime. They own the company "Takamul," which operates the so-called "Smart Card" used since 2014 to distribute subsidized food and other products in Syria under the auspices of the Ministry of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection.

"Wings of Sham" Under Sanctions Again

The European Union has reimposed sanctions on the company "Wings of Sham," owned by Mohammad Issam Shmout, after removing it from its sanctions list on July 19, 2022. This decision comes as a result of the company's involvement in transporting "Syrian mercenaries," arms trading, drug smuggling, and money laundering, all of which support the activities of the Syrian regime.

"Wings of Sham" has been active in transporting mercenaries from regime-controlled areas in Syria to Libya to fight alongside the retired General Khalifa Haftar's militia. Established in 2007, "Wings of Sham" was the first private aviation company but ceased operations in 2012 due to economic sanctions. It resumed activities in September 2014 but was again sanctioned by the U.S. in 2016 for its involvement in transporting Russian and Iranian elements for combat in Syria.

In addition to "Wings of Sham," the sanctions also targeted the company "Eloma" for private investment, established in 2023 to take control of nearly half the ownership of Damascus Airport. It serves as a front for the Assad family and is part of the regime's efforts to gain personal benefits by manipulating the economy.

Al-Aqeelah Insurance Company and Iranian Alborz

The Syrian insurance company "Al-Aqeelah" has been included in the European sanctions list after signing a joint project with the Iranian insurance company Alborz. This move is part of the coordinated efforts between the Syrian and Iranian regimes to strengthen the latter's position in the Syrian economy.

"Al-Aqeelah" Cooperative Insurance Company and the Iranian "Alborz Insurance Company" signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a joint insurance company between the two countries. The company stated that this collaboration is a result of the strategic cooperation agreements signed by the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.

"Al-Aqeelah" Cooperative Insurance Company was established in 2006, while the Iranian "Alborz Insurance Company" was founded in 1995.

by : SYRIA.TV