The 26 targets, mostly in Pakistan, China and the United Arab Emirates, were said to have violated export controls, been involved in “weapons programs of concern,” or evaded US sanctions and export controls on Russia and Iran, said the Commerce Department
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US President Joe Biden. AP
The United States added more than two dozen entities to a trade blacklist Monday over alleged support of weapons and drone development programs in Pakistan and Iran, and for other issues including aiding Russia’s war effort in Ukraine.
The 26 targets, mostly in Pakistan, China and the United Arab Emirates, were said to have violated export controls, been involved in “weapons programs of concern,” or evaded US sanctions and export controls on Russia and Iran, said the Commerce Department.
Their addition to the so-called “entity list” restricts them from getting US items and technologies without government authorisation.
“We are vigilant in defending US national security from bad actors,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Alan Estevez in a statement.
“Our actions today send a message to malicious actors that if they violate our controls, they will pay a price,” he added.
Nine entities in Pakistan were accused of being front companies and procurement agents for the already blacklisted Advanced Engineering Research Organization.
Since 2010, the group was said to have procured US-origin items by disguising their end users, who include a Pakistani entity responsible for the country’s cruise missile and strategic drone program.
“This activity is contrary to the na