The US government has imposed sanctions on two Egyptian IT experts [2], Al-Mawji Mahmud Salim and Sarah Jamal Muhammad Al-Sayyid [1], for their involvement in providing cybersecurity support and training to ISIS. These sanctions demonstrate the US commitment to disrupting the global financial networks of ISIS.
Description
Al-Mawji Mahmud Salim and Sarah Jamal Muhammad Al-Sayyid are accused of creating an online platform called the Electronic Horizons Foundation (EHF) to assist ISIS [1]. Al-Mawji provided technical support to ISIS leaders [1], helping them evade law enforcement and raise funds. He also offered expertise in cryptocurrency and established an ISIS-affiliated media outlet for distributing propaganda. Sarah Jamal recruited members for the EHF platform and procured web servers to keep it operational [1]. These actions disrupted ISIS’s ability to move funds and recruit online [1].
Additionally, the US government announced sanctions against a Turkish national who facilitated the transfer of money to ISIS operatives in Syria. These designations and sanctions demonstrate the US commitment to working with over 80 countries in the Counter ISIS Finance Group [1].
Conclusion
The sanctions imposed on Al-Mawji Mahmud Salim, Sarah Jamal Muhammad Al-Sayyid [1], and the Turkish national highlight the US government’s determination to disrupt ISIS’s global financial networks. By targeting individuals involved in providing cybersecurity support and facilitating financial transactions, the US aims to mitigate the organization’s ability to raise funds and recruit online. These actions reflect the ongoing efforts of the US and its international partners in the Counter ISIS Finance Group to combat terrorism financing. It is important to note that ISIS, also known as “Islamic State,” lost all its territories in 2019 after battles with Iraqi and Syrian forces [2].
References
[1] https://www.voanews.com/a/us-takes-shot-at-islamic-state-s-cyber-operations/7463815.html
[2] https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/us-sanctions-isis-cybersecurity/
