The United Nations Security Council blacklisted commander of the militias in the Libyan city of Misrata after coordinating with the United States, France and Britain.
Neither Salah Badi nor his militia commented on the development, but Libyan sources predicted that the move could be a precursor to a possible operation to arrest some militia leaders who are responsible for the instability in the capital Tripoli.
Badi currently tops the list of possible targets of arrest.
The UK said Friday that in coordination with Washington and Paris, it secured the Security Council agreement to sanction Badi under the terms of UN Security Council Resolution 2213 (2015).
"Salah Badi is the senior commander of the Al Somood Brigade, a militia opposed to the UN-recognized Government of National Accord. He has worked consistently to undermine a political solution in Libya,” read a statement by the UK.
"This designation will subject Salah Badi to a travel ban and asset freeze, thereby sending a clear message from the international community that acts of violence against the Libyan people will not be tolerated,” it added.
British Minister of State for the Middle East Alistair Burt tweeted: “The UK is clear that those that threaten Libya’s stability & security will be held to account.”
The UN mission in Libya hailed Badi’s sanctioning, saying it welcomes the Security Council’s strong commitment to hold accountable those responsible for undermining Libya’s security and stability.
