3 new entities subject to UN sanctions against Al-Qaida operatives

The United Nations Security Council committee monitoring sanctions imposed against the Taliban has added three more organizations to its extensive list of entities and persons subject to the measures because of their links to the group or other terrorist operatives.

Added to the Council's list on Tuesday were the Islamic International Brigade (IIB), the Special Purpose Islamic Regiment (SPIR) and the Riyadus-Salikhin Reconnaissance and Sabotage Battalion of Chechen Martyrs (RSRSBCM). All the groups operate under numerous other aliases.

The UN sanctions require States to freeze financial resources, including funds derived or generated by any undertaking owned or controlled by the Taliban, and to ensure that they are not used by the group.

Countries are also obliged to freeze funds and other financial assets of Usama bin Laden and his associates in the Al-Qaida organization, and to prevent their entry or transit through the State's territory. In addition, nations must prevent the supply, sale and transfer of all arms and materiel - along with any form of military training - to the named individuals and entities.

The list is updated regularly, on the basis of relevant information provided by Member States and regional organizations.