US sanctions on 4 Syrian ministers, rebel leader
The Obama administration has added four Syrian government ministers to a U.S. terror blacklist as well as the leader of an al-Qeada-linked organization fighting President Bashar Assad's regime. Thursday's actions highlight America's twin goals in Syria: It wants the Assad regime to end but doesn't want extremists taking power.
The Treasury Department targeted the defense, health, industry and justice ministers in Assad's government, plus a Syrian TV station and its national airline. Assets they have in the US are blocked and Americans are prohibited from doing business with them. (AP)
