US hits nine Hezbollah-aligned individuals in Lebanon with sanctions

AI Summary

The United States has imposed sanctions on nine individuals linked to Hezbollah in Lebanon, citing their role in obstructing peace. This move is part of ongoing U.S. efforts to counter Hezbollah's influence in Lebanese politics and security sectors.

By Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON, May 21 (Reuters) - The United States on Thursday announced sanctions against nine individuals, including Iran's designated ambassador to Lebanon, for obstructing the peace process in the Middle Eastern country and impeding the disarmament of the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control said the officials were embedded across Lebanon’s parliament, military, and security sectors, where they worked to preserve Hezbollah's influence over key Lebanese state institutions.