Why United States Blacklisted Haqqani Network
Recognizing the threats posed by Haqqani Network in terms of terrorism, US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton today underlined the blacklisting the terrorist group is a right decision.
In her inteview with Indira Lakshmanan of Bloomberg News in Russia, Ms. Clinton says the US government does very intensive analysis before it designates someone as a foreign terrorist organization.
“We have reached that conclusion about the Haqqani Network and we think it’s the right decision.” -Ms. Clinton
Ms. Clinton says blacklisting the terrorist group is about squeezing them in the ways that now are available to us under the designation and the Executive Order.
The move gives the United States much greater reach into any financial assets or fundraising that they may engage in, gives United States better traction against assets that they might own, Ms. Clinton explained.
In addition, Ms. Clinton underlines that blacklisting adds to the pressure on the Haqqanis, and it’s part of the continuing effort to try to send a message to them because of the really incredibly damaging attacks that they have waged against us, against other targets, and inside Afghanistan.
“And it’s important that we use every tool at our disposal to go after them.” -Ms. Clinton
In November 2011, the Department of State has designated Haqqani Network Commander Mali Khan under Executive Order 13224, which targets terrorists and those providing support to terrorists or acts of terrorism. As a result of the designation, all property subject to U.S. jurisdiction in which Mali Khan has any interest is blocked and U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in any transactions with him.
The Haqqani Network is a Taliban-affiliated group of militants that operates from North Waziristan Agency in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan. The Haqqani Network has been at the forefront of insurgent activity in Afghanistan, responsible for many high-profile attacks.
