U.S. sanctions head of Libya's self-proclaimed government

The United States on Tuesday imposed sanctions on a senior official of the Libyan self-proclaimed government in the capital city of Tripoli, citing that the person obstructed and undermined the country's peace and stability.

The U.S. Department of Treasury sanctioned Khalifa Ghweil for threatening "the peace, security, or stability of Libya or obstruct or undermine the Libyan Government of National Accord," the department said in a statement.

"All property and interests in property of Ghweil that are within the jurisdiction of the United States or in the control of U.S. persons are blocked, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with him."

The U.S. sanction also complemented the European Union's restrictive measures against Ghweil on April 1, said the statement.

Ghweil is the prime minister and defense minister of the National Salvation Government, which is Libya's self-proclaimed government.

The UN-backed government headed by Fayez Serraj entered the capital Tripoli at the end of last month. The National Salvation Government then decided to step down earlier this month.

Libya had a political division with two rival governments and parliaments battling for dominance amid escalating violence and increased dominance of militant extremism. Last December, they agreed to create a Government of National Accord to end the political struggle. Enditem