U.S. Freezes More Assets Linked to Terror
The Bush administration expanded its financial dragnet against Osama bin Laden and his Al Qaeda terrorist network Friday, ordering U.S. banks to freeze assets of a Pakistan-based group and nine individuals.
The Treasury Department’s action was the government’s latest effort to separate terrorists from their money, a key part of President Bush’s war on terrorism.
“Today we block the finances of an assortment of terrorists involved in financing and carrying out bombings, kidnappings and murder,” said Treasury Secretary Paul H. O’Neill.
When Bush launched his financial war on terrorism, one of the first groups the U.S. government went after was Al Rashid Trust, which the United States says actively bankrolled terrorists. Officials said the group changed its name to the Aid Organization of the Ulema, based in Pakistan, which was listed on Friday’s blocking order.
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