US State Department Highlights Haqqani Commander as New Terror Threat

The Secretary of State has designated Haqqani Network (HQN) Commander Badruddin Haqqani under Executive Order 13224, which targets terrorists and those providing support to terrorists or acts of terrorism. As a result of the designation, all property subject to U.S. jurisdiction in which Badruddin Haqqani has any interest is blocked and U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in any transactions with him. This action will help stem the flow of financial and other assistance to this dangerous individual.

Badruddin Haqqani is an operational commander for the Haqqani Network, a Taliban-affiliated group of militants that operates from North Waziristan Agency in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan. The Haqqani Network has been at the forefront of insurgent activity in Afghanistan, responsible for many high-profile attacks. Badruddin is the son of HQN founder Jalaluddin Haqqani and his brothers are Nasiruddin Haqqani and Sirajuddin Haqqani, all Specially Designated Global Terrorists under E.O. 13224 and listed at the United Nations 1267 Sanctions Committee.

Badruddin sits on the Miram Shah Shura, which has command and control over all Haqqani Network activities, and helps lead insurgents and foreign fighters in attacks against targets in southeastern Afghanistan.

Badruddin is also believed to be in charge of kidnappings for the Haqqani Network. In November 2008, Badruddin accepted responsibility for keeping New York Times reporter David Rohde hostage (Rohde escaped in June 2009). During his captivity, Badruddin forced Rohde to make videos and write letters demanding money and a prisoner exchange as conditions for his release. Badruddin threatened Rohde's two Afghan companions in order to compel him to cooperate, and threatened to kill all three of them if his demands were not met.

The designation under E.O. 13224 blocks all of Badruddin Haqqani’s property interests subject to U.S. jurisdiction and prohibits U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with or for the benefit of Badruddin. [In addition to the U.S. domestic action taken today, the United Nations 1267 Sanctions Committee’s listing will require all UN member states to implement an assets freeze, a travel ban, and an arms embargo against this individual. The actions taken against this individual demonstrate international resolve in eliminating terrorist’s ability to execute violent attacks and to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat their networks.] This designation represents just one phase of the U.S. Government’s response to the threat posed by terrorists in Afghanistan and Pakistan.