EU imposes sanctions targeting Turkish mercenaries in Syria

The European Council announced legal procedures to lift all restrictive economic measures imposed on Syria, except those related to security reasons.

The decision, which implements the political agreement announced on May 20, 2025, aims to "support efforts to unify the country and build an inclusive, pluralistic, and peaceful Syria," according to a statement published on the official European Union website.

In this context, the Council removed 24 Syrian entities from the sanctions list, including the Central Bank of Syria and companies operating in vital sectors such as oil production and refining, cotton, and telecommunications, in addition to a number of media outlets and television channels.

The European Union affirmed that this step represents "the right decision at this historic moment," in support of "Syria's recovery and the aspirations of its people for a comprehensive political transition." It added that it "will remain a key partner at this stage, as it has been for the past fourteen years."

Meanwhile, the Council decided to extend sanctions on "individuals and entities associated with the Syrian regime" until June 1, 2026.

In a significant development, and in response to the recent wave of violence in the Syrian coastal region (March 2025), the European Union announced the imposition of new restrictive measures under the "Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime," targeting two mercenary leaders of the Turkish occupation mercenaries in Syria: Mohammed Jassim, known as Abu Amsha, and Saif Bulad, known as Abu Bakr, in addition to three Turkish mercenary entities: the Sultan Murad Division, the Sultan Suleiman Shah Division, and the Hamza Division, for committing serious violations against civilians.

The sanctions include an asset freeze within the EU and a travel ban.

T/S

ANHA