US sanctions five nations over use of child soldiers

The United States moved to block military assistance to five countries, including three in Africa, over their use of child soldiers in armed conflicts, U.S. officials said on Thursday.

The sanctions affect Central African Republic, Rwanda and Sudan as well as Burma and Syria, according to the US State Department. "Our goal is to work with countries who have been listed to ensure that any involvement in child soldiers - any involvement in the recruitment of child soldiers - stop," US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Linda Thomas-Greenfield said. (Reuters)