Why in news?
United Nations Security Council’s (UNSC) Sanctions Committee blacklisted Hamza bin Laden, the son of slain Al-Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden.
Who is Hamza bin Laden?
- Hamza bin Laden is the 30-year-old son of slain Al-Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden.
- In 2015, Hamza was introduced by Osama Bin Laden’s successor Ayman al-Zawahiri in an audio message.
- The US-based Brookings Institution claims that Hamza was with his father (Osama) in Afghanistan, prior to 9/11 attacks.
- Hamza is also said to have spent time with his father in Pakistan after the NATO invasion of Afghanistan in the aftermath of 9/11 attacks.
- Now, in the light of the Islamic State occupying the centre stage in the terrorist world, Hamza is seen as a fresh face.
- Al Qaeda thus seems to bank on him to increasingly inspire the youth to join militancy.
What does UNSC blacklisting mean?
- The blacklisting of Hamza would mean that he is subjected to a travel ban, freezing of his assets along with an arms embargo.
- His entry or transit in any of the countries that are UN members will not be allowed in accordance with the travel sanctions.
- Freezing of assets requires all UN member governments to immediately freeze funds, financial assets or any economic resources that come under direct or indirect ownership of the designated individual.
- The arms embargo prevents Hamza from acquiring arms and ammunition.
- All UN member countries are directed to block the channels that might directly or indirectly facilitate the sale of arms to the Al Qaeda leader.
- In addition to this, all member states are required to prevent the transfer of arms, ammunition, spare parts and other related articles, to Hamza.
- Non-material support in the form of technical advice, assistance, logistic support, or training in relation to military activities is also prohibited.
What are the other measures?
- Hamza bin Laden's Saudi citizenship was revoked after his blacklisting by the UNSC's Sanctions Committee.
- The U.S. government, as a part of its ‘Rewards for Justice’ programme, had announced a bounty of $1 million for any information that leads to the capture of Hamza.
- The Security Council also described Hamza as the “most probable successor” of Al Qaeda’s present chief Ayman al-Zawahiri.
Source: Indian Express