Washington: The US on Wednesday targeted the financial and support system of the Pakistan-based Haqqani Network by nominating three of its leaders to its list of "specially designated global terrorists."
The Treasury Department said that Saidullah Jan, Yahya Haqqani and Muhammad Omar Zadran had been designated "specially designated global terrorists," meaning that assets belonging to the men within US jurisdiction would be frozen.
"The Haqqani network poses a grave threat to US civilians, military personnel, and our broader interests in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region," said David S Cohen, Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.
"Where we have the opportunity to disrupt this network and undermine its ability to finance its activities, we will take action. Today`s action underscores our resolve to continue targeting any potential means of support for the Haqqanis," he said.
As a result of the action, all property and interests in property under US jurisdiction in which Saidullah Jan, Yahya Haqqani, or Muhammad Omar Zadran have an interest are blocked, and US persons are prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.
Saidullah was also involved in the group`s recruiting efforts and conducted the evaluation of at least one Haqqani recruit.
According to the Treasury, Yahya likely had advance knowledge of the June 2011 attack on the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul, Afghanistan, directed by Sirajuddin Haqqani and Badruddin Haqqani.
Eighteen people were killed and twelve were injured in the attack.
As of 2011, Yahya delivered money from Sirajuddin Haqqani to Haqqani network commanders for operations.
Zadran (Omar) is a Haqqani Network leader who as of 2013 was in command of over 100 militants active in Khowst Province, Afghanistan.
