US Department of the Treasury sanctions three people due to conflict in South Sudan

The United States says it has sanctioned three people over their roles in South Sudan's civil war.

A Treasury statement released (by U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control) on December 14 names the three as retired Israeli military official Israel Ziv and South Sudanese businessman Obac William Olawo, for leading entities whose actions have extended the conflict, and South Sudanese official Gregory Vasili, "for actions that have undermined peace, stability, and security."

The U.S. also designated six entities owned or controlled by two of those named. The U.S. says it will continue to target those who "profit off the misery and suffering of the South Sudanese people." The civil war has killed nearly 400,000 in five years.

"Treasury is targeting individuals who have provided soldiers, armored vehicles, and weapons used to fuel the conflict in South Sudan. We are intent on holding accountable those who profit off the misery and suffering of the South Sudanese people and facilitate violence against civilians," Sigal Mandelker, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, said.