WASHINGTON - The United States on Monday targeted Syria's General Organization of Radio and TV for sanctions, the latest in its expanding efforts to press the Syrian government to stop what it called a violent crackdown on demonstrators.

The US Department of Treasury said in a statement that as a state-run agency under Syria's Ministry of Information, the general organization is responsible for operating Syria's state- owned television channels, two terrestrial and one satellite, as well as the government radio stations.

"By taking this action today, Treasury is sending a clear signal that it stands with the Syrian people. Any individuals or institutions supporting its abhorrent behavior will be targeted and cut off from the international financial system," said Adam Szubin, director of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control.

The move bars US citizens from doing business with the Syrian government, including the general organization, and freezes all of their assets under US jurisdiction.