Manama: Bahrain has welcomed a US decision to impose sanctions on an Iran-based terrorist behind a spate of attacks in the country.
Qassim Abdullah Ali Ahmed, known as Qassim Al Muamen, one of the leaders of Saraya Al Ashtar (Al Ashtar Brigades), has been designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) by the US Department of State.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry said this was a key development in the fight against terrorist organisations operating in Bahrain.
“The ministry expresses its sincere appreciation of this important step by the United States of America, which is a reflection of the United States’ great concern for the security and stability of the Kingdom of Bahrain as a strategic ally,” said the ministry in a statement yesterday.
“It see this step as part of the ongoing US efforts to confront terrorism and combat its financing for the sake of international peace and security.”
It added that Bahrain fully supported the US in its war on terror and called for joint action to eliminate all forms of terrorism including supporters and financiers. The GDN reported yesterday that Al Muamen was identified by Bahraini authorities in November last year as the mastermind behind plans to assassinate prominent figures and target three oil pipelines.
He is the third member of the terror organisation blacklisted for terror crimes by the US administration.
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