The State Department sanctioned Ramzan Kadyrov, leader of the Chechen Republic, for human rights violations, a July 20 notice said. The designation also targets Kadyrov’s spouse, Medni Kadyrova, and daughters Aishat Kadyrova and Karina Kadyrova.

Germany, France and Italy said they will pursue sanctions against countries that continue to violate the United Nations arms embargo against Libya, a July 18 joint statement said. The countries urged “foreign actors to end their increasing interference” and said they are “ready to consider the possible use of sanctions should breaches to the embargo at sea, on land or in the air continue.” The statement came about a week after the U.S. threatened sanctions against foreign militaries interfering in Libya (see 2007150020).

The United Nations Security Council sanctioned the leader of a Taliban branch in Pakistan, a July 16 notice said. The designation targets Noor Wali Mehsud, leader of Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan. The United Kingdom also added Mehsud to its ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List.

The United Kingdom on July 17 issued guidance on post-Brexit sanctions regulations on Mali, Yemen and Iraq. The regulations will help ensure the U.K. continues to meet obligations under United Nations sanctions against the three countries and will replace the U.K.’s current regulations under European Union sanctions. The guidance also provides memorandums for Mali, Yemen and Iraq, detailing the purpose of the sanctions and how they will be applied.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control on July 17 sanctioned four entities and one person for supporting a U.S.-sanctioned Chinese drug trafficking company. OFAC also sanctioned members of Nicaragua President Daniel Ortega’s inner circle and two Nicaraguan companies.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control updated its Nicaragua Sanctions Regulations and added a general license authorizing certain U.S. government activities with Nicaragua, a notice said. The notice incorporates the Nicaragua Human Rights and Anticorruption Act of 2018 into the regulations, which includes certain technical edits and the addition of the “delegation of certain functions with respect to the NHRAA,” OFAC said. It also expands a provision of the regulations to include more clarity on blocked transactions and incorporates a previously issued general license that authorizes certain Nicaragua-related activities. The rule is effective July 17.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control on July 16 extended the expiration dates for two Ukraine-related general licenses that authorize certain transactions with U.S.-sanctioned GAZ Group. Both licenses were scheduled to expire July 22 and now expire Jan. 22, 2021. General License No. 13O, which replaces No. 13N, authorizes certain transactions necessary to divestments and debt transfers. General License No. 15I, which replaces No. 15H, authorizes certain transactions related to the “manufacture and sale of existing and new models of vehicles” -- including components, engines and commercial vehicles -- produced by GAZ Group.

The U.S. Embassy in Libya threatened sanctions against people, governments and entities causing violence in Libya and disrupting the country’s economy. In a July 12 statement, the embassy said “foreign-backed efforts against Libya’s economic and financial sectors” have affected the country’s National Oil Corporation and “heightened the risk of confrontation.” The embassy specifically mentioned attacks by Wagner mercenaries -- controlled by the U.S.-sanctioned, Russia-based PMC Wagner -- against NOC facilities. “Those who undermine Libya’s economy and cling to military escalation will face isolation and risk of sanctions,” the embassy said.

The U.S. authorized new sanctions against Russia’s Nord Stream 2 and other Russian pipelines (see 1912190075), clearing the way for designations of people and entities associated with Russian gas projects, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said. Those involved with the project may now be subject to sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, Pompeo said during a July 15 news conference.

The Terrorist Financing Targeting Center, which includes the U.S., sanctioned four entities and two people for providing financial support to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, the Treasury Department said July 15. The TFTC -- which also includes Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates -- targeted companies that have offered the Islamic State a “critical financial and logistical lifeline,” Treasury said.