UN council slaps sanctions on Eritrea over Somalia

The UN security council imposed sanctions on the Horn of Africa state of Eritrea on Wednesday because of aid that council members say it has given to Islamist insurgents in nearby Somalia.

A resolution supported by 13 of the 15 council members, with one contrary vote and one abstention, slapped an arms embargo and asset freezes and travel bans on Eritrea and individuals and firms to be designated by an existing sanctions committee. Those hit would include members of the country's leadership.