US hails EU sanctions on Assad family as 'very good step'

(WASHINGTON) - The United States on Friday hailed new European Union sanctions against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's family as a "very good step" aimed at ending his bloody crackdown.

"We are gratified that the EU has taken yet another step in tightening the noose on the Assad regime," State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland told reporters.

The European Union on Friday targeted Assad's wife, mother and sister in fresh sanctions aimed at ending months of relentless brutality.

"Certainly this is a very good step. It sends a strong message that those close to Assad himself will also face the pressure," Nuland said, adding Washington was seeing "what more we can do" to pressure the Syrian leader.