Explained: What UNSC blacklisting of Osama bin Laden’s son means

Apart from the UNSC blacklisting, the United States government, as a part of its 'Rewards for Justice' programme, had also announced a bounty of $1 million for any information that leads to the capture of Hamza Bin Laden.

The blacklisting of Hamza by UNSC also involves him being subjected to a travel ban, freezing of assets along with an arms embargo. (Photo: AP)

Hamza bin Laden, the 30-year-old son of slain Al-Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden, had his Saudi citizenship revoked after United Nations Security Council’s (UNSC) Sanctions Committee blacklisted the terrorist leader Friday. The security council also described Hamza as the “most probable successor” of Al Qaeda’s present chief Ayman al-Zawahiri.

Apart from the UNSC blacklisting, the United States government, as a part of its ‘Rewards for Justice’ programme, had also announced a bounty of $1 million for any information that leads to the capture of Hamza.

What the UNSC Sanctions Committee said

The blacklisting of Hamza would mean that he is subjected to a travel ban, freezing of his assets along with an arms embargo.

When the UNSC Sanctions Committee freezes the assets of a targeted individual/entity, it is required that all United Nations member governments across the globe immediately freeze the funds, financial assets or any economic resources that come under direct or indirect ownership of the designated individual.

The travel ban against Hamza implies that his entry or transit in any of the countries that are UN members will be not be allowed in accordance with the travel sanctions.

In adherence to the arms embargo that prevents Hamza from acquiring arms and ammunition, all member countries are directed to block the channels that might directly or indirectly facilitate the sale of arms to the Al Qaeda leader. In addition to this, all member states are required to prevent the transfer of arms, ammunition, spare parts, and related paraphernalia to Hamza.