US targets Sudan bank, firms backing warring generals

The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on a bank and two companies accused of providing funds for warring generals in Sudan whose conflict has claimed thousands of lives.

The Treasury Department said it was blocking any assets and criminalizing US transactions with the Alkhaleej Bank, which has been an "essential part" of funding for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The bank allegedly received $50 million from the country's central bank immediately before the war broke out in April between the RSF and the army.

Also targeted were the Zadna International Company for Development, allegedly used for money laundering and commercial operations of the army, and Al-Fakher Advanced Works, which the Treasury Department said has helped generate millions of dollars through gold exports for the RSF, allowing the paramilitary group to buy weapons.

"The United States will continue to use the tools at our disposal to end this devastating war, promote accountability and help the Sudanese people realise their demands for freedom, peace, and justice," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said.

The United States and Saudi Arabia have led negotiations between the two sides but to little avail.

The war has killed at least 13,000 people, according to a conservative estimate by the Conflict Location and Event Data project, and displaced more than seven million people, according to the United Nations.