The US imposes sanctions on Wagner.

The U.S. imposed sanctions aimed at halting Wagner's gold mining operations in Africa, vowing to hold the group accountable for its violent actions.

The U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions on June 27 against Midas Resources, a mining company operating in the Central African Republic, and Diamville, a gold and diamond buyer in the country. Washington said both companies are controlled by Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner Group.

The sanctions will freeze all assets of Midas Resources and Diamville in the US, deeming transactions with the two companies a criminal offense. The sanctions also target Industrial Resources General Trading, a company based in the United Arab Emirates, and DM, a Russian-based company, for allegedly handling transactions with Diamville.

"The Wagner Group funds its operations in part by exploiting natural resources in countries such as the Central African Republic and Mali. The U.S. will continue to target Wagner's revenue streams to curb its expansion and violence in Africa, Ukraine, and elsewhere," said Brian Nelson, a U.S. Treasury official.

A Wagner member stands next to a Central African Republic soldier during a protest in the capital Bangui last March. Photo: AFP

Wagner Group has signed contracts with the militaries of African countries and played a significant role in Russia's campaign in Ukraine.

U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Wagner "brings death and destruction wherever it goes, harming local people, exploiting resources and siphoning money from communities." He stated that the U.S. would continue to urge governments in Africa and elsewhere to cease cooperation with Wagner.

Wagner has not yet commented on the US move.

Thanh Tam (According to AFP )

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