US puts new sanctions on freed Hezbollah leader

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration has imposed new sanctions on a Hezbollah leader set free last week by Iraq despite U.S. protests.

The Treasury Department’s action freezes any assets Ali Mussa Daqduq (‘DAHK-dook) has in the United States and prohibits Americans from doing business with him.

Daqduq is blamed for numerous attacks against U.S. forces in Iraq.

He was captured in March 2007 and held by the U.S. military until being transferred to Iraqi custody in December 2011. An Iraqi court dismissed charges against him in May. He was released last week.

U.S. officials had sought Daqduq’s extradition.

The Treasury Department’s sanctions chief, David Cohen, said Monday that the U.S. is “extremely disappointed” that Daqduq was freed. Cohen said the U.S. will continue trying to bring him to justice.