EU extends sanctions against Syria

The European Union extended sanctions against Syrian officials, including 11 businessmen and five companies on the sanctions list, the Council of Europe said in the statement.

"The Council added eleven prominent businessmen and five entities to the list of those subject to restrictive measures against the Syrian regime and its supporters. These businessmen and companies are involved in luxury estate development and other regime-backed projects, and as such support and/or benefit from the Syrian regime," the statement reads.

Monday’s move in Brussels means the EU sanctions list now includes 270 people and 72 entities, which are usually companies, organizations or agencies.