(VOVworld) – The European Union on Monday imposed travel bans and asset freezes on 17 ministers and the central bank governor of Syria. The new sanctions are intended to punish the regime of President Bashar Assad for attacks on civilians.

(Photo: Reuters)

The EU said the new blacklist brings the number of Syrian individuals subject to travel bans or asset freezes to 234. Another 69 entities are also subject to asset freezes. The EU already has in place other sanctions against Syria, including arms and oil embargoes and investment restrictions. Those sanctions were extended in May until June 01, 2017.

In October, the EU placed 10 additional officials of President Assad’s administration under sanctions.