On 14th October 2019 then US President Donald Trump announced that the US would implement sanctions against Turkey in response to the latter’s military offensive in Northern Syria and its potential to destabilise the region. Specifically, the Office of Foreign Assets Control claimed that the military action could undermine efforts to defeat ISIS/Daesh, endanger civilians and further threaten the security and stability of the region. No entities are currently sanctioned under this legislation, although it remains in force, allowing the US government to act quickly against any breaches of the current ceasefire agreement.
The EU sanctions programme is due to expire on 29th November 2024.
Sanction Name
Restrictive measures in view of Turkey’s unauthorised drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean
SANCTIONS
First Imposed
Last updated
Targets
Asset Freeze and Travel Ban:
• Restrictive measures, including asset freezes and travel bans, against natural persons or entities responsible for, involved in or assisting drilling activities, which have not been authorised by the Republic of Cyprus, within its territorial sea or in its exclusive economic zone or on its continental shelf.
On 10th February 2023 OFAC issued General Licence 23, which authorises until 8th August 2023 all transactions related to earthquake relief that would otherwise be prohibited under the Syrian Sanctions Regulations. On 21st February 2023 OFAC issued guidance on authorised transactions related to earthquake relief efforts in Syria in response to questions from the NGO community on how to provide assistance to Syria while complying with OFAC sanctions.
Sanction Name
Restrictions on the Turkish government in view of the Situation in Syria
First Imposed
Last updated
Targets
Specially Designated National:
• Persons deemed to be engaged, responsible or complicit in policies that threaten peace and stability in Syria or those ordering human rights abuses. Current or former officials of the Government of Turkey, including those who are deemed to work on or behalf of persons who are targeted by sanctions. Persons working in specific sectors in Turkey as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury. • Persons engaged in or financing the obstruction or prevention of a ceasefire in northern Syria. Persons involved in the intimidation of persons returning to their place of residence or forced repatriation of refugees to Syria. The programme also targets those engaged in blocking UN-led political solutions to the crisis. Family members of these targets may also be sanctioned and anyone engaged in expropriation of property in Syria.
•On 23rd October 2019 five individuals and entities were removed from the OFAC SDN list after Turkey agreed to a ceasefire. No individuals or entities are currently sanctioned by the programme.
Exemptions
1. All actions committed by US government employees or contractors conducting official US Government business.
