European Union Hardens Sanctions Against Syria

The 27-member European Union agreed to tougher sanctions on Syria on Monday, as violence in the country worsens, according to The New York Times.

The new sanctions will require member nations to search airplanes and ships suspected of carrying weapons and other equipment to Syria. Previously, it had been up to member states to decide what to do with weapons shipments.

The ban includes weapons intended for opposition forces, an official speaking anonymously told The Times.

The countries also agreed to freeze the assets and ban visas for 26 more people, who were not immediately identified, and prevent Europe from conducting business with three more entities in Syria, according to The Times.