US designates Mullah Fazlullah as a 'global terrorist'

Published January 13, 2015
Undated photo taken from video by the TTP's Umar Media propaganda wing shows its leader Mullah Fazlullah.
Undated photo taken from video by the TTP's Umar Media propaganda wing shows its leader Mullah Fazlullah.

WASHINGTON: The US State Department on Tuesday designated Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Mullah Fazlullah as a ‘global terrorist’.

According to a State Department press release, Fazlullah has been labeled a ‘Specially Designated Global Terrorist’ under Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, which targets terrorists and those providing support to terrorists or acts of terrorism.

The consequences of these designations include a prohibition against American citizens engaging in transactions with Fazlullah, and the freezing of all property and interests of Fazlullah that are in the United States, or come within the United States or the possession or control of US persons, the statement said.

Fazlullah was elected TTP commander in November 2013, following the death of former leader Hakimullah Mehsud.

Read also: Pakistani Taliban elect Mullah Fazlullah as new chief

Under the leadership of Fazlullah, TTP claimed responsibility for the December 16, 2014 attack on a school in Peshawar that resulted in the deaths of at least 148 people, mostly students.

Prior to becoming TTP leader, Fazlullah claimed he was behind the killing of Pakistani Army Major General Sanaullah Niazi in September 2013, as well as ordering the shooting of schoolgirl and activist Malala Yousafzai in 2012.

The State Department designated TTP as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist on September 1, 2010.

TTP was also listed at the United Nations 1267/1989 Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee on July 29, 2011.

Opinion

Enter the deputy PM

Enter the deputy PM

Clearly, something has changed since for this step to have been taken and there are shifts in the balance of power within.

Editorial

All this talk
Updated 30 Apr, 2024

All this talk

The other parties are equally legitimate stakeholders in the country’s political future, and it must give them due consideration.
Monetary policy
30 Apr, 2024

Monetary policy

ALIGNING its decision with the trend in developed economies, the State Bank has acted wisely by holding its key...
Meaningless appointment
30 Apr, 2024

Meaningless appointment

THE PML-N’s policy of ‘family first’ has once again triggered criticism. The party’s latest move in this...
Weathering the storm
Updated 29 Apr, 2024

Weathering the storm

Let 2024 be the year when we all proactively ensure that our communities are safeguarded and that the future is secure against the inevitable next storm.
Afghan repatriation
29 Apr, 2024

Afghan repatriation

COMPARED to the roughshod manner in which the caretaker set-up dealt with the issue, the elected government seems a...
Trying harder
29 Apr, 2024

Trying harder

IT is a relief that Pakistan managed to salvage some pride. Pakistan had taken the lead, then fell behind before...