U.S. slaps sanctions on Libyan tied to Qaddafi’s son

The U.S. government on Tuesday imposed sanctions on a Libyan man accused of supporting the son of slain Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi in his quest to return to power.

The Treasury Department said it was targeting Humayd Abd-al-Salam, 46, because he was acting for or on the behalf of Saadi Qaddafi, the former dictator’s son.

“Today’s designation targets a key supporter of Saadi Qaddafi, who remains determined to carry on his father’s legacy, to reverse Libya’ democratic transition through violence, and to foster instability in the region,” the Treasury’s sanctions chief, Adam Szubin, said in a statement.

Saadi Qaddafi took refuge in Niger in September after the fall of Tripoli ended his father’s 42-year iron-fisted rule. Niger has rejected extradition requests from the new Libyan authorities.

On Friday he warned that a nationwide rebellion was brewing against the country’s new leaders and vowed to return to Libya “at any time.”

“Seventy percent of Libyans are not satisfied with the current situation,” he told Al-Arabiya television, adding that “the Libyan people are ruled by gangs.”

In targeting Abd-al-Salam with sanctions, the U.S. Treasury said that he had acted on behalf of Saadi and his late brother Mutassim Qaddafi during the uprising against their father, including after Washington and the United Nations imposed sanctions against the Qaddafis.

In late September 2011, Abd-al-Salam reportedly coordinated a meeting for Saadi Qaddafi, and in early October he reportedly coordinated the delivery of vehicles and drivers to Saadi and Mutassim, the department said.

In early October 2011, Abd-al-Salam was instructed by Mutassim Qaddafi to arrange payment for a shipment of military equipment, including sniper rifles and night vision devices.

Mutassim Qaddafi died in late October after being captured by rebel forces in the fall of Sirte, his father’s hometown.

As a result of Tuesday’s action, U.S. citizens are prohibited from dealing with Humayd Abd-al-Salam and any of his assets under U.S. jurisdiction are frozen.