Outlawed entity: US designates commander Nazir group terrorists

State Department alleges the group trains terrorists and has attacked the US and its allies in Afghanistan.

WASHINGTON:

The US State Department has designated the commander Nazir group and its leader Malang Wazir among Specially Designated Global Terrorists.

A statement released by the State Department alleges that the commander Nazir group has run training camps for terrorists, sent suicide bombers, provided sanctuary for al Qaeda fighters and conducted cross-border operations against the US and its allies in Afghanistan.

“In addition to its attacks against international forces in Afghanistan, CNG [commander Nazir group] is also responsible for assassinations and intimidation operations against civilians in Afghanistan and Pakistan,” the statement read.



It added that after the death of Mullah Nazir earlier this year the group had chosen Malang Wazir to become part of their top leadership. The group also issued a statement that they would continue to support al Qaeda and their attacks in Afghanistan.

The group has also claimed responsibility for attacks in Pakistan. “Malang claimed responsibility for a vehicle-borne attack in front of an army brigade headquarters in South Waziristan in March 2008, which killed five Pakistani soldiers and injured 11 others.  In May 2011, the commander Nazir group broke a ceasefire agreement and attacked a Pakistani army camp in Wana, with missiles and rockets,” said the State Department.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 27^th, 2013.