Saudi Arabia, US join hands to disrupt LeT, Qaeda, Taliban funding

 In an unprecedented move, Saudi Arabia has joined hands with the US to disrupt the fundraising and support networks of LeT, al-Qaeda and the Taliban by imposing sanctions on four individuals and two organisations.

Department of Treasury has designated James Alexander McLintock, Al-Rahmah Welfare Organization, Abdul Aziz Nuristani, the Jamia Asariya Madrassa, Naveed Qamar, and Muhammad Ijaz Safarash, as “Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs)”.

As a result of yesterday’s action, any property or interest in the name of these designated individuals and entities subject to US jurisdiction is frozen.

Simultaneously, Saudi Arabia also slapped sanctions against these individuals and entities.

“From terrorising local populations to exploiting charities and religious institutions, al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) have a long history of inflicting violence on Americans and our allies throughout South Asia and the Middle East,” said Adam J Szubin, Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.

“Today’s action marks yet another step in Treasury’s efforts to financially cripple terrorist financiers and demonstrates the United States’ and Saudi Arabia’s shared resolve to target those who support terrorism,” he said.

Saudi Arabia-based LeT member Muhammad Ijaz Safarash has funded and provided logistical support to LeT.

Safarash has been an LeT operative for several years, acquiring travel documents and facilitating financial transfers in Saudi Arabia, the Treasury said.