Ansar al-Dine (AAD)

About

Ansar al-Dine (AAD) was created in late 2011. Following the March 2012 coup that toppled the Malian government, AAD was among the organizations that took over northern Mali, destroyed UNESCO World Heritage sites, and enforced a severe interpretation of sharia law in the areas under its control. In 2017, AAD joined Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), a new coalition of al-Qa’ida-aligned groups led by AAD’s leader, Iyad ag-Ghali.

On March 22, 2013, the U.S. Department of State designated AAD as a Foreign Terrorist Organization under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended. Previously, on March 21, 2013, the Department of State designated AAD as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist pursuant to Executive Order 13224, as amended. As a result, all of AAD’s property, and interests in property, subject to U.S. jurisdiction are blocked, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in any transactions with AAD. It is a crime to knowingly provide, or to attempt or conspire to provide, material support or resources to AAD.