Publication Date: 11 November 2026
Source: United Nations Security Council Press Releases SC/16488 and SC/16490 dated 26 October 2026
1. Overview
The United Nations Security Council, through its ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee, announced two important updates to its sanctions regime on 26 October 2026.
The announcements concern:
The removal of three individuals from the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List following the Committee's consideration of delisting requests.
Amendments to the existing sanctions-list entries of three other individuals who remain subject to the applicable United Nations sanctions measures.
These updates are relevant to financial institutions, designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs), compliance officers, auditors, and other regulated entities responsible for implementing Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) controls.
2. Removal of Three Individuals from the UN Sanctions List
According to UN Security Council Press Release SC/16488, on 24 October 2026, the Committee established pursuant to Security Council Resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) removed three individuals from the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List.
The delisting requests were submitted by the designating State and considered in accordance with paragraph 75 of Security Council Resolution 2734 (2024).
The three individuals removed from the list are:
| No. | Name | Reference Number |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shafi Sultan Mohammed Sultan Al-Ajmi | QDi.338 |
| 2 | Bassam Ahmad Al-Hasri | QDi.399 |
| 3 | Iyad Nazmi Salih Khalil | QDi.400 |
Consequences of the Delisting
Following the Committee's decision, the asset freeze, travel ban and arms embargo measures set out in paragraph 1 of Security Council Resolution 2734 (2024), adopted under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, no longer apply to these three individuals under this sanctions listing.
Financial institutions and other relevant entities should ensure that their sanctions-screening databases reflect the latest official list updates and that any previous matches are appropriately reassessed.
3. Amendments to Three Existing Sanctions List Entries
In a separate announcement, UN Security Council Press Release SC/16490 confirmed that the Committee amended three existing entries on the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List on 26 October 2026.
The individuals concerned are:
| No. | Name | Reference Number |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Emilie Edwige Konig | QDi.340 |
| 2 | Oumar Diaby | QDi.342 |
| 3 | Peter Cherif | QDi.376 |
The amendments relate to information recorded in the individuals' existing sanctions-list entries.
Important: Unlike the three individuals discussed in the previous section, these individuals were not removed from the sanctions list. Their entries were amended, and they remain subject to the applicable asset freeze, travel ban and arms embargo measures under the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
4. Implications for AML/CFT Compliance
These developments highlight the importance of maintaining effective sanctions-screening and ongoing customer due diligence procedures.
Financial institutions, DNFBPs and other relevant reporting entities should consider taking the following actions:
4.1 Update Sanctions Screening Systems
Review and update internal sanctions-screening databases against the latest versions of:
The UN ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List.
The UN Security Council Consolidated List.
Ensure that newly amended information, aliases, identification details and other relevant identifying information are incorporated into screening systems.
4.2 Reassess Potential Matches
Review existing sanctions alerts and previous screening results relating to the three delisted individuals.
Where a previous match is identified, assess whether the match remains relevant under any other applicable sanctions designation or legal restriction before taking further action.
4.3 Continue Monitoring Amended Entries
The three amended individuals remain on the UN sanctions list. Accordingly, relevant entities should ensure that the updated identifying information is reflected in their screening procedures and that applicable sanctions controls continue to be implemented.
4.4 Strengthen Customer Due Diligence
Continue applying risk-based Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD), where appropriate, particularly in relation to customers, beneficial owners, counterparties and transactions that may involve designated individuals or associated entities.
4.5 Maintain Compliance Records
Maintain appropriate documentation of sanctions-screening activities, potential matches, investigation results, decisions and any subsequent actions taken.
Entities should also consider their applicable domestic legal and regulatory obligations, including any relevant reporting requirements.
5. Importance of Regular Sanctions List Monitoring
The UN Security Council states that the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List is updated regularly based on relevant information provided by Member States and international and regional organisations.
Furthermore, the UN Security Council Consolidated List is updated following changes to the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List.
Therefore, organisations should not rely solely on previously downloaded sanctions lists or periodic manual checks. Maintaining an effective and ongoing sanctions-screening process is an important component of a robust AML/CFT compliance framework.
6. Official References
For further information and verification, please refer to the following official United Nations resources:
UN Security Council Press Release SC/16488 (26 October 2026): Removal of Three Entries from the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List.
UN Security Council Press Release SC/16490 (26 October 2026): Amendments to Three Entries on the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List.
UN ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List
UN Security Council Consolidated List
UN ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List – Delisting Procedures
Disclaimer: This article is prepared for general informational and AML/CFT compliance awareness purposes based on the United Nations Security Council announcements dated 26 October 2026. It does not constitute legal advice. Organisations should consult the relevant legislation, regulatory requirements and official sanctions lists applicable to their circumstances.