US designates top Haqqani leader 'foreign terrorist'

WASHINGTON: The US on Tuesday designated a top Pakistan-based Haqqani network commander, Mali Khan, as a foreign terrorist and slapped financial sanctions against him, aimed at crippling the finances to the dreaded outfit.
Acting as a Haqqani commander, Khan has overseen hundreds of fighters, and has instructed his subordinates to conduct terrorist acts, the US state department said in a statement."Mali Khan has provided support and logistics to the Haqqani Network, and has been involved in the planning and execution of attacks in Afghanistan against civilians, coalition forces, and Afghan police," it said.
Under the sanctions, all property subject to US jurisdiction in which Khan has any interest is blocked and Americans are prohibited from engaging in business with him. This action will help stem the flow of financial and other assistance to the Haqqani Network, the state department said.
The Haqqani Network, it said, is a Taliban-affiliated group of militants that operates from North Waziristan Agency in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan. It has been at the forefront of insurgent activity in Afghanistan, responsible for many high-profile attacks, the statement said.
In June 2011, Khan's deputy provided support to the suicide bombers responsible for the attacks on the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul, killing 12 people. In September, Khan was detained in Afghanistan during a combined Afghan and coalition force operation.
Khan's recent detention marked a milestone in the disruption of the Haqqani network. "Today's action strengthens the US' ability to target the Haqqanis' finances and will assist the law enforcement of other US agencies," the state department said.