US labels Pak Taliban chief as global terrorist

New Delhi, September 11 

A day before the anniversary of 9/11, US President Donald Trump issued an executive order to expand the administration’s ability to go after suspected terrorists and their financiers and supporters. The US Department of state said: “Along with Mehsud, also designated as Specially Designated Global Terrorist are leaders of previously designated groups, including Hizballah, HAMAS, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, IS, IS-Philippines, IS-West Africa, and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan.” In addition to these actions, the Department of the Treasury has designated 15 terrorists affiliated with IS, IS-Philippines, IS-Khorasan, Al-Qaida, HAMAS, and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force under the same authority.

The executive order is the most significant update of terrorist designation by the authorities since the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, and will enable the US to more effectively sanction the leaders of terrorist organisations and those who train to commit acts of terrorism.

“Today’s executive order by President Trump adds further muscle to US counterterrorism efforts,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said. He said Trump’s action amends an earlier executive order that former President George W Bush initially signed after 9/11 by adding clauses to let the state and Treasury departments directly target leaders of suspected terror groups and their affiliates “without having to tie terrorist leaders to specific acts”. 

By this new order, the US seeks to deny these terrorists the resources to plan and carry out attacks. “All of their property and interests in property subject to the US jurisdiction are blocked, and the US persons are prohibited from engaging in any transactions with them.” — IANS