Dubai Dunes in one Minute Copy video url Play / Pause Mute / Unmute Report a problem Language Mox Player BRUSSELS — The European Union on Monday added one group and three individuals linked to Al-Qaeda and operating in the Sahel region to the list of those subject to sanctions against the so-called Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), Al-Qaeda, as well as people, groups, undertakings and entities associated with them. The measures target Sidan Ag-Hitta and Salem ould Breihmatt, senior commanders within the UN-listed Al-Qaeda-affiliated Jama"at Nusrat al-Islam Wal-Muslimin, as well as its Burkinabe branch Ansarul Islam and its leader Jafar Dicko, said an EU press release. The sanctioned group and individuals are responsible for several terrorist attacks, including against civilians, the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali and defense and security forces in Burkina Faso, it noted. Their activities contribute to the expansion of the terrorist threat in Western Africa and therefore pose a serious and continued threat to the EU and to regional and international stability, it said. With these new measures, a total of 13 people are now subject to a travel ban and an asset freeze, and four groups to an asset freeze. In addition, EU people and operators are forbidden from making funds or economic resources available to the listed people and groups. Today"s decision confirms the EU"s unwavering resolve to combat the enduring terrorist threat posed by Al-Qaeda, ISIL and all their regional affiliates, added the press release. — Agencies