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US Sanctions on Taliban and Haqqani Network: What You Need to Know
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In an effort to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, the US government has established a set of sanctions regulations aimed at combating terrorism and supporting the Afghan people. This article provides an overview of key general licenses (GLs) and executive orders that govern transactions involving Afghanistan.
General Licenses and Executive Orders
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued several GLs and Executive Orders to facilitate humanitarian assistance and support for the Afghan people while maintaining sanctions on the Taliban and Haqqani Network. The key regulations include:
- 31 CFR Part 594: Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations (GTSR)
- 31 CFR Part 597: Foreign Terrorist Organizations Sanctions Regulations (FTOSR)
- Executive Order 13224, as amended
- Afghanistan-related GLs 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20
Authorizations for Authorized Activities
GLs 14, 15, and 19 authorize transactions that are “ordinarily incident and necessary” to effectuate authorized activities in Afghanistan. These GLs cover:
- Purchases of fuel
- Payment for telecommunications services
- Payment for security services
- Payment of rent
- Payment of utilities
- By non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or other persons
GL 17 authorizes all transactions conducted by employees, grantees, or contractors of the US government or its agencies in connection with authorized activities in Afghanistan.
GL 18 authorizes similar transactions by international organizations and their personnel.
GL 20 allows for the processing and payment of funds, other financial assets, or economic resources necessary to ensure the timely delivery of humanitarian assistance or support for authorized activities.
Consistency with UN Sanctions Regime
The US sanctions regime on the Taliban and Haqqani Network is consistent with the United Nations Security Council’s (UNSC) 1988 sanctions regime. UNSCR 2615 (2021) authorizes humanitarian assistance and other activities that support basic human needs in Afghanistan.
Non-US Companies Shipping Food to Afghanistan
Both US and non-US companies can ship food and agricultural products to Afghanistan, and banks can process financial transfers associated with these shipments. The US government has not prohibited the exportation or reexportation of agricultural commodities, medicine, and medical devices to Afghanistan.
Contact Information for OFAC
Individuals, entities, international organizations, or financial institutions with questions about engaging in or processing transactions related to these authorizations can contact OFAC’s Sanctions Compliance and Evaluation Division via email at OFAC_Feedback@treasury.gov or by phone at (800) 540-6322 or (202) 622-2490.
Priority on Humanitarian Support
OFAC prioritizes license applications, compliance questions, and other requests that are related to humanitarian support.