5 million dollar US reward for Hezbollah, Jihad suspects

WASHINGTON, Feb 12 (Reuters) The United States TOday offered rewards of up to 5 million dollar each for a member of Lebanese Hezbollah and a member of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, both of which the United States regards as terrorist groups.

The State Department identified one of the men as Mohammed Ali Hamadei, saying the alleged Lebanese Hezbollah member took part in the 1985 hijacking of TWA Flight 847 that resulted in the murder of US sailor Robert Stethem.

Hamadei, believed to be living in Lebanon, was indicted in 1985 on 15 charges for his role in planning and taking part in the hijacking, the State Department said in a statement.

The State Department named the other as Ramadan Abdullah Mohammad Shallah, saying he is wanted for conspiracy to conduct the affairs of Palestinian Islamic Jihad through activities such as bombings, murder, extortions and money laundering.

It said since 1995 he has been the secretary-general and leader of group, which is headquartered in Damascus.

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice authorized adding both men to the State Department's Rewards for Justice Program, each with a reward of up to 5 million dollar, the statement said.

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