US slaps sanctions on al-Qaeda, Taliban fundraisers

The US today slapped sanctions on two Afghan nationals for providing financial and tactical support to al-Qaeda, Taliban and the Haqqani network, linked to Pakistani extremist groups.

Said Jan Abd Al-Salam and Khalil Al-Rahman Haqqani have been designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, the Department of Treasury said.

Al-Salam was designated for acting for or on behalf of al-Qaeda and for providing support to Taliban and Haqqani was designated for acting for or on behalf of Taliban, for providing support to al Qaeda and for acting for or on behalf of Sirajuddin Haqqani.

"Khalil Al-Rahman Haqqani, who is among the Haqqani network''s most important figures and fundraisers, and Said Jan Abd Al-Salam have engaged in activities in support of the Taliban and al-Qaeda," said Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Stuart Levey.

"Today''s action exposes two consequential sources of financial and tactical support for these terrorist organisations and is part of a larger US and international effort to degrade their capabilities," he said. Al-Salam has provided funds to Taliban and al-Qaeda and has facilitated training and weapons acquisition for the terror group.

In 2008, he collected thousands of dollars in financial donations for al-Qaeda and Taliban and in 2009 transferred funds to members of a Pakistani extremist group for al-Qaeda.

In 2007 and 2008, Al-Salam provided thousands of dollars to the Taliban in Wardak Province, Afghanistan.

A senior member of the Haqqani Network, Khalil Haqqani engages in fundraising activities on behalf of the Taliban and provides support to the Taliban operating in Afghanistan.

As of early 2010, he provided funds to Taliban cells in Logar Province, Afghanistan.

In 2009, Khalil Haqqani was one of several people responsible for the detention of enemy prisoners captured by the Taliban and the Haqqani Network.

Khalil Haqqani has taken orders for Taliban operations from his nephew Sirajuddin Haqqani, who was designated by the US in March 2008.