Geo World

 US sanctions Haqqani network commander

 WASHINGTON: The United States took action Tuesday aimed at ensuring that a jailed commander of the militant Haqqani network or his associates never benefit from funds under American jurisdiction.

The State Department blacklisted commander Mali Khan under an executive order signed by President George W. Bush in 2001 in a bid to block funds to suspected terrorists, after a similar move in August against commander Sangeen Zadran.

"All property subject to US jurisdiction in which Mali Khan has any interest is blocked and US persons are prohibited from engaging in any transactions with him," the State Department said.

"This action will help stem the flow of financial and other assistance to the Haqqani network," a group blamed for high-profile attacks on US and Afghan targets, the State Department said.

It said Mali Khan was detained in Afghanistan in a late September raid by Afghan and coalition forces, but State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said the sanctions seek to freeze transactions involving him or his associates.

"We want to make sure that... nobody can do business with anybody who has access to his stuff, and/or... if he ever came to a time when he was out of custody, that he shouldn't have any illusions about being able to do business," she told reporters.

Affiliated with the Taliban, the Haqqani network is considered the most dangerous enemy of US troops in eastern Afghanistan. (AFP)