The United States on Tuesday designated a top Pakistan-based Haqqani network commander, Mali Khan, as a foreign terrorist and slapped financial sanctions against him, aimed at crippling the finances to the dreaded outfit.
Acting as a Haqqani commander, Khan has overseen hundreds of fighters, and has instructed his subordinates to conduct terrorist acts, the US State Department said in a statement.
"Mali Khan has provided support and logistics to the Haqqani network, and has been involved in the planning and execution of attacks in Afghanistan against civilians, coalition forces, and Afghan police," it said.
Under the sanctions, all property subject to US jurisdiction in which Khan has any interest is blocked and Americans are prohibited from engaging in business with him.
This action will help stem the flow of financial and other assistance to the Haqqani network, the department said.
The Haqqani network, it said, is a Taliban-affiliated group of militants that operates from North Waziristan Agency in the federally administered tribal areas of Pakistan. It has been at the forefront of insurgent activity in Afghanistan, responsible for many high-profile attacks, the statement said.
In June 2011, Khan's deputy provided support to the suicide bombers responsible for the attacks on the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul, killing 12 people.
In September, Khan was detained in Afghanistan during a combined Afghan and coalition force security operation.
Khan's recent detention marked a significant milestone in the disruption of the Haqqani network, but does not absolve him of his terrorist acts.
"Today's action strengthens the United States' ability to target the Haqqani network's finances and will assist and complement the law enforcement actions of other US agencies," the State department said.