Trinidad and Tobago Individuals Sanctioned by US Over Terror Links

The United States Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has added two Trinidad and Tobago nationals to its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list, accused of having ties with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). This move marks a significant escalation in the global fight against terrorism.

Individuals Sanctioned

The following individuals have been sanctioned:

• Eddie Aleong, also known as Ishmael Mohammed, Ismail Muhammad, and Isma’Il ‘Ali Yong
  • Born: August 14, 1984
  • Trinidadian national with identification numbers:
    • 752536B (Trinidad and Tobago)
    • 19840814025 (Trinidad and Tobago)
• Emraan Ali, a Syrian citizen with dual citizenship in Trinidad and Tobago and the United States
  • Born: July 4, 1967
  • Holds:
    • A Trinidadian passport number: TB162181
    • Identification number: 19670704052 (Trinidad and Tobago)

Sanctions

The OFAC sanctions will:

• Freeze any assets held by these individuals in US jurisdictions
• Prohibit American citizens from engaging in any financial transactions with them

This move is seen as a major blow to ISIL’s efforts to spread its influence globally.

The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)

ISIL has been responsible for numerous atrocities around the world, including:

• Bombings
• Beheadings
• Mass killings
• Linking to various attacks in the region and beyond

Government Response

The Trinidad and Tobago government has not commented on the sanctions. However, local security officials have confirmed that they are aware of the situation and will continue to work closely with international partners to combat terrorism.