US Treasury imposes sanctions on Libyan militia leader Salah Badi

The United States Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in coordination with the United Nations Security Council's Libya Sanctions Committee on Monday imposed financial sanctions on Libyan militia leader Salah Badi.

"In accordance with the UN listing, which the United States, United Kingdom, and France co-sponsored, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has designated Badi pursuant to Executive Order 13726. Consequently, all of Badi's assets within U.S. jurisdiction are blocked, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with him," read the press release from the US Department of Treasury.

The sanctions require all the UN members to freeze Badi's assets as well as impose a travel ban.

The comes after Badi ordered action against rival militias aligned with the Government of National Accord, exacerbating instability in Tripoli in August 2014.

Since 2014, Badi has played a critical role in undermining Libyan peace, security, and stability. In addition, forces under Badi's command have used Grad rockets in highly populated areas, causing indiscriminate destruction and casualties, including emergency responders and ambulance workers.

The US also stated that the sanctions are a concrete and forceful action in response to those who undermine Libya's peace, security, or stability.