Today, the United States is designating two Hizballah officials to maintain pressure on the group and impede its ability to operate in the financial system. The United States is designating Nabil Qaouk and Hassan Al-Baghdadi pursuant to Executive Order 13224, as amended, for being officials or leaders of Hizballah, a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization and Specially Designated Global Terrorist. Qaouk and Al-Baghdadi are members of Hizballah's Central Council, a group of senior Hizballah officials that elects the terrorist group's Shura Council, Hizballah's highest decision-making body. Qaouk has also served on Hizballah's Executive Council, which oversees the group's social and economic activities.
Hizballah remains a terrorist threat to the United States, our allies, and our interests in the Middle East and around the world. It is essential that countries take steps to restrict Hizballah's activities and disrupt the terrorist group's facilitation networks.
These designations reinforce other recent U.S. designations of Hizballah officials, entities, and others who have provided support or services to it, including certain political enablers. These designations also expose their actions, which all too often prioritize their own interests or those of Tehran ahead of the Lebanese people. As the United States commemorates the 37th anniversary of Hizballah's heinous attack on the U.S. Marine Corps Barracks in Beirut, we reaffirm our commitment to take action to disrupt Hizballah's operations and promote accountability for its terrorist acts. All responsible nations must take appropriate steps to restrict Hizballah's activities and constrain its influence.
