For the first time, the European Union is imposing sanctions on violators of the arms embargo on Libya.

It concerns a company from Turkey, one from Jordan and one from Kazakhstan and two Libyans, insiders report.

According to the sources, the punished persons helped with ships, planes or other equipment to bring weapons and other military equipment to Libya.

Travel restrictions are imposed on them, and European bank balances are frozen. European companies are also no longer allowed to do business with them. The EU foreign ministers would have agreed on the punitive measures on Monday.

The arms embargo should help end the ongoing civil war in Libya.

An EU country like France has long accused Turkey of acting not only as a patron but also as an arms supplier to the government in Tripoli, adding fuel to the fire.