DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — The U.S. government on Tuesday sanctioned an armed group accused of illicit trading in minerals in eastern Congo as Washington tries to spearhead peace efforts there while pushing for U.S. access to the region’s minerals.

The US has sanctioned Congo’s PARECO armed group, mining firms, and Hong Kong exporters over illicit coltan trade, as renewed clashes threaten peace talks.

The United States announced sanctions against an armed group linked to Congo's military, a Congolese mining company, and two Hong Kong exporters. The measures aim to curb violence and regulate critical mineral sales,