US sanctions on Haqqani ‘suicide operations’ chief

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration has declared the Haqqani network’s “chief of suicide operations” a global terrorist and imposed U.S. financial sanctions against him.

The State Department says Qari Zakir is responsible for the Pakistan-based militant group’s planning of suicide attacks and training fighters in the use of small arms, heavy weapons and explosive devices. It says Zakir is the network’s commander in several Afghanistan provinces.

Washington named the Haqqanis a terrorist organization in September. It blames the group for many deadly attacks in Afghanistan.

Monday’s action blocks any assets held by Zakir in the United States and bans Americans from doing business with him.

The U.S. statement also credited the United Nations for including the Haqqanis and Zakir on its global sanctions list Monday.