US sanctions target three firms aiding Syrian government

The United States Wednesday slapped sanctions on three companies for allegedly aiding the Syrian government, including one based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Department of Treasury targeted the UAE-based Pangates International Corporation Ltd. as well as Expert Partners and Megatrade, which the agency described as front companies based in Syria, Xinhua reported.

As a result, American citizens are barred from doing business with those blacklisted and all of their assets on the US soil are frozen.

Pangates was accused of supplying the Syrian government with a large amount of specialty petroleum products from 2012 to 2014, which were used largely for military purposes.

The treasury department said the two Syrian entities are cover companies used by the Scientific Studies and Research Centre, a Syrian government agency responsible for developing and producing non-conventional weapons already put under the US sanction.

Washington has sanctioned some 200 persons and entities, including government officials and Syria's central bank and oil companies, since the Arab country was plunged into chaos in March 2011.