Switzerland widens Syria sanctions

Those targeted by the widened embargo, which come amid worsening conditions for civilians in the conflict-torn Syria, include 25 police and military officials, some of whom are accused of being responsible for the torture of opposition figures.

Switzerland also announced it has frozen the accounts of Syria's national airline and two other companies.

Switzerland has therefore taken measures "identical to those taken by the European Union," an economy ministry spokesman told the ATS news service.

Switzerland first imposed sanctions against Syria in May last year following Damascus's brutal crackdown on protesters.