UK sanctions Syrian figures over coastal violence
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The British Foreign Office announced on Friday new sanctions targeting Syrian individuals and organizations accused of involvement in violence against civilians in coastal regions earlier this year.
According to the statement, the measures include asset freezes and travel bans against four individuals and three organizations, in addition to two persons accused of financially supporting the former Syrian government. The sanctions specifically address incidents of violence in Latakia and Tartous governorates in March 2025, as well as atrocities committed during the height of the Syrian civil war.
Among those sanctioned are:
• Ghaith Dalla, former senior regime military commander and leader of a pro-regime militia.
• Miqdad Fatiha, former regime commander leading another pro-regime militia.
• Mohammad al-Jasim (Abu Amsha), commander of the Sultan Suleiman Shah militia group, affiliated with the Turkey-backed Syrian National Army (SNA).
The Foreign Office also listed three organizations and two individuals accused of financing the Assad regime, though their names were not fully detailed in the public release.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said in the official release, “Accountability and justice for all Syrians is vital to ensure a successful and sustainable political settlement in Syria. That’s why I am today announcing sanctions against several individuals and organisations for their involvement in horrific violence against the civilian population in Syria.”
The Foreign Office stressed that the sanctions are part of Britain’s ongoing commitment to pursue accountability for human rights abuses and to prevent actors from undermining peace and stability in Syria. The statement added that the UK remains committed to supporting Syrians in building a “peaceful and prosperous future.”
While the sanctions focus on coastal violence and Assad-era abuses, they highlight the broader international push for accountability across Syria. The UK government emphasized that such measures are intended to deter future violations and reinforce the protection of civilians.