US blacklists Iraqi IS leader, Indonesia-based group

Washington, June 13 (IANS) The US has designated Marwan Ibrahim Hussayn Tah al-Azawi, an Iraqi Islamic State (IS) leader, and Majelis Mujahidin Indonesia (MMI), an Indonesia-based terrorist group, as global terrorists.

As a result of the move made on Monday, US nationals are prohibited from engaging in transactions or dealings with Azawi or MMI, and all of their property and interests in property subject to American jurisdiction are frozen, reports Xinhua news agency.

According to a State Department statement, Azawi is connected to IS's development of chemical weapons for use in ongoing combat against Iraqi Security Forces.

MMI was formed in 2000 by Abu Bakar Bashir, leader of the designated Foreign Terrorist Organization and Specially Designated Global Terrorist group, Jemaah Islamiya (JI).

"Today's action notifies the US public and the international community that Azawi and MMI have committed or pose a significant risk of committing acts of terrorism," the statement added.

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