US declares three individuals as ‘Global Terrorists’ for having links with Pak-based terror networks

Washington, February 8: The Trump administration on Wednesday imposed stringent economic sanctions against three individuals allegedly linked to Pakistan-based terror networks after it called on the Pakistani government to destroy safe havens to dangerous individuals and organizations. Notably, the United States has been acting strictly against terrorists and a terrorist organization to curb the threat which is caused by terrorism.

The US Department of Treasury designated three individuals including Rahman Zeb Faqir Muhammad, Hizb Ullah Astam Khan, and Dilawar Khan Nadir Khan as global terrorists for their links to terror outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Taliban.

However, as a result of this latest move taken by Trump administration, all property and interests in property of these persons subject to US jurisdiction are blocked and the US citizens are prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.

The Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Sigal Mandelker said, “Treasury continues to aggressively pursue and expose radicals who support terrorist organizations and run illicit financial networks across South Asia. We are targeting operatives who have provided logistical support, improvised explosive devices, and other technical assistance to Al-Qa’ida, Lashkar-e Tayyiba, the Taliban, and other terrorist groups.”

“This is part of this Administration’s broader efforts to disrupt terrorist fundraising, and we call on the Pakistani government and others in the region to work with us to deny sanctuary to these dangerous individuals and organizations,” Sigal Mandelker added.

RAHMAN ZEB FAQIR MUHAMMAD

Rahman Zeb Faqir Muhammad (Rahman Zeb) was designated for providing financial, material, or technological support for, or other services to or in support of, Lashkar-e Tayyiba (LeT), a UN- and U.S.-designated terrorist organization based in Pakistan.

Rahman Zeb was a LeT operative who for several years was responsible for collecting funds and running a network for LeT in the Gulf. In early 2016, he coordinated funds transfers with a Pakistan-based LeT facilitator. As of mid-2014, he was a long-standing contact of LeT members involved in Afghan operations, and he was involved in business activities with a LeT commander responsible for the group’s operations in Afghanistan.

Additionally, in mid-2014, Rahman Zeb facilitated travel for Fazeel-A-Tul Shaykh Abu Mohammed Ameen Al-Peshwari (aka Shaykh Aminullah) from Pakistan to the Gulf. OFAC designated Shaykh Aminullah in July 2009 for providing material support to Al-Qa’ida, LeT, and the Taliban.

HIZB ULLAH ASTAM KHAN

Hizb Ullah Astam Khan (Hizb Ullah) was designated for acting for or on behalf of SDGT Shaykh Aminullah.

As of 2016, Hizb Ullah facilitated support for Shaykh Aminullah and served as a financial official of a Peshawar-based madrassa that was co-founded by Shaykh Aminullah. As of early 2015, Hizb Ullah provided assistance to Shaykh Aminullah during Shaykh Aminullah’s travel in the Gulf. Hizb Ullah also facilitated Shaykh Aminullah’s travel in 2013 to the Gulf.

Hizb Ullah previously worked for Shaykh Aminullah as an improvised explosive device (IED) expert in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, where he deployed IEDs targeting Afghan and Coalition forces. During that time, Hizb Ullah was involved with shipments of IED precursor chemicals supplied from Pakistan to Afghanistan for U.S.-designated terrorist groups, including the Taliban and Jama’at ul Dawa al-Qu’ran (JDQ).

DILAWAR KHAN NADIR KHAN

Dilawar Khan Nadir Khan (Dilawar) also was designated for acting for or on behalf of Shaykh Aminullah.

Dilawar has acted as Shaykh Aminullah’s assistant to include being responsible for handling Aminullah’s accommodations in Pakistan and relaying Aminullah’s messages. Dilawar has also facilitated funds transfers, including international transactions, on behalf of Shaykh Aminullah. In 2014, Dilawar facilitated travel for Aminullah within Pakistan, as well as to the Gulf. In 2013, Dilawar was one of the leaders of the Ganj Madrassa, which OFAC designated in August 2013 for being controlled by Shaykh Aminullah and for providing financial and material support to LeT and the Taliban.