OFAC identifies supporters and front charity assisting AQAP

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took action earlier this week to impede financial support networks of the terrorist group al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).

The department designated AQAP leaders Al-Hasan Ali Ali Abkar and Abdallah Faysal Sadiq al-Ahdal, along with a purported charity managed by al-Ahdal called the Rahmah Charitable Organization. The designations are pursuant to Executive Order 13224, an order that targets terrorists and those providing support to them for acts of terrorism.

This week’s action will now block all property and interests in property of the named terrorists and organization subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Additionally, all U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.

“The facilitators and front company designated today are responsible for supporting AQAP’s violent terrorist activities,” Acting OFAC Director John E. Smith said. “Today’s action not only exposes their illicit activities, but also aims to disrupt and dismantle AQAP’s financial and support networks.”

Abkar was designated for providing financial support to AQAP, as well as acting on behalf of the militant group since at least 2014. Notably, he was a known al-Qa’ida commander responsible for Yemen’s Marib and al-Jawf Governorates who assembled AQAP members in support of terrorist operations, while also assisting in the acquisition of weapons.

al-Ahdal was also designated for providing financial and material support for the group through the Rahmah Charitable Organization, while also acting as a recruiter for AQAP at his mosque.