WASHINGTON – The U.S. has declared a Haqqani network communications official and an alleged Taliban money launderer as global terrorists.
Thursday's action bans Americans from doing business with the men and blocks any assets they hold in the U.S.
The Treasury Department says Bakht Gul relays reports from commanders in Afghanistan to Haqqani network leaders, Taliban and Afghan media. It says Gul also coordinates insurgent movement and weapons transfers.
The department says Abdul Baqi Bari laundered millions for the Taliban in the last decade. It says he also funnels funds to support al-Qaida, and Osama bin Laden gave him and an associate $500,000 to purchase a factory in 2002.
Department sanctions chief Adam Szubin said those perpetuating terrorism in Afghanistan and Pakistan will increasingly be cut off from the international financial system.
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