NEWS DAILY

WASHINGTON: The United States and the United Nations Friday designated Pakistan's Harakat-ul Jihad Islami as a "Foreign Terrorist Organization" and targeted its commander for supporting acts of terrorism, the US Treasury Department said.

Mohammad Ilyas Kashmiri, who the United States labeled a "Specially Designated Global Terrorist," will have any of his assets frozen in US jurisdiction, and the move will also "prohibit US persons from engaging in any transactions with him."

The United Nations, said the Treasury Department, has taken similar action against the HUJI and Kashmiri.

As the militant group's leader, US officials said Kashmiri "provides support to Al-Qaeda operations, including logistical support for Al-Qaeda's terrorist attacks," the Treasury Department said detailing deadly assaults on Pakistani government personnel and facilities.

"In acting together, the United States and United Nations are today taking another important step in combating the threat that Al-Qaeda and its affiliated organizations pose to innocent people around the world," said Stuart Levey, the US under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence.