US to sanction 'special terrorist' in Algeria

Washington, Sep 10: The US Department of State designated on Wednesday Algerian citizen Abu Ubaydah Yusuf al-Anabi as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.

"As a result of the designation, all property subject to US jurisdiction in which al-Anabi has any interest is blocked," the State Department said in a statement, "US persons are prohibited from engaging in transactions with him or to his benefit," Xinhua reported.

Al-Anabi was a member of the Algerian Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). He was the leader of AQIM's Council of Notables and serves as the organisation's media chief, said the statement.

Last month, Algerian troops launched a wide scale dragging operation in the eastern province of Jijel as part of anti-terrorism fight. A senior leader of an armed group linked to AQIM and his assistant were killed in during the operation.

IANS