US sanctions Syria International Islamic Bank

Washington slapped sanctions on the Syria International Islamic Bank Wednesday, saying it had helped the Damascus regime skirt sanctions placed on the country's leading bank. Qatar is supporting the move with "corresponding actions," the US Treasury said, as the US and allies step up pressure on the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, accused of orchestrating a brutal campaign of repression against a popular uprising.
The Treasury said SIIB "has acted as a front" for the Commercial Bank of Syria, Syria's largest commercial bank, allowing it to circumvent sanctions already set by the United States, the European Union and the Arab League. "Today's action will add to the economic pressure on the Assad regime by closing off a key evasion route," said Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence David Cohen. The Treasury said Qatar was working closely with the US to help implement sanctions on Syria.