US targets SA 'terror money' via sanctions on IS agents

The US government has imposed sanctions on three individuals two of whom are based in South Africa accused of expanding Islamic State (IS) activities in Africa.

- Chulumanco Mahamba

The US state department said the three individuals are key financiers and enablers of IS activities across central, eastern and southern Africa.

According to the US, IS leaders in SA used robbery, extortion and kidnapping for ransom to generate funds for the group.

"They serve as critical links between far-flung IS operations, allowing IS leadership to leverage each affiliate's capabilities to undermine peace and security in the region," said US state department spokesperson Matthew Miller on Tuesday.

"Their destabilising impact spans much of sub-Saharan Africa, which underscores the need for the international community to continue to work together to share information on transnational IS networks, their evolving financial methods, and measures to combat them."

The US department of Treasury said the sanctions are due to the threat IS poses to regional security and stability in central, eastern and southern Africa.