Haqqani network hit with global sanctions by UN
A Pakistani protester holds a burning US flag as others shout slogans during a protest in Multan on October 31, 2011 against US drone attacks in the Pakistani tribal region. Relations between Pakistan and the United States deteriorated after the May 2, 2011 killing of Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden by US Navy SEALs in Abbottabad, Pakistan, and again over accusations that Pakistani intelligence was involved with the Haqqani network.
The United Nations Security Council ordered global sanctions against the Haqqani network in Afghanistan on Monday, according to Agence France Presse.
The militant group and its chief organizer of suicide attacks, Qari Zakir, were added to the UN's sanctions list, which entails nations freezing the assets of the network and issuing a travel ban against Zakir, in addition to imposing an arms embargo.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Zakir is the operational commander in Kabul, Takhar, Kunduz and Baghlan provinces, in addition to running the training program for suicide attacks including small arms training, heavy weapons and basic improvised explosive device construction.
The United States also officially listed Zakir as a global terrorist on Monday, coinciding with the UN's motion, CNN reported. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made the announcement in a written statement, saying the designation happened under the authority of an executive order.
The designation blocks Zakir from any of his property that is under US jurisdiction, and prohibits any Americans from performing transactions on his behalf.
More on GlobalPost: US designates Haqqani network a terrorist group
The US officially designated that Haqqani network as a terrorist organization in September, Reuters noted. The group's commanders said the move proved that America was not sincere about peace efforts in Afghanistan.
"Today's action by the Security Council expands upon these (UN) sanctions and confirms the international community's resolve to end the Haqqani Network's ability to execute violent attacks in Afghanistan," said US Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice in a statement, according to Reuters. "It also reflects the Security Council's commitment to use and enforce sanctions against those who threaten peace in Afghanistan, in conjunction with a strong commitment to support Afghan-led peace and reconciliation."
The AFP noted that the Haqqani network has been blamed for attacks on Afghan and NATO targets, as well as kidnappings and murders.
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