Amid preparations for the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in America, a controversy has arisen over an alleged decision of President Donald Trump’s administration. According to reports, America has removed many people associated with Al-Qaeda from its list of designated terrorists.
Iran’s government-run international news network Press TV, citing ‘Grey Zone’ report, said those removed from the list included commanders, recruiters and financiers associated with al-Qaeda’s branch in Syria. The name of Saudi religious leader Abdullah Muhaysini has also been mentioned in these.
According to the report, Muhaysini played a role in the recruitment of fighters and radicalization activities in Syria. His name was reportedly removed from the list at the request of Syrian President Ahmed al-Shaara (formerly Abu Mohammed al-Julani).
However, independent verification of the claims related to this entire matter is necessary. Al-Julani has past links to al-Nusra, the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda. The organization later changed its name to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
The report claims that others including Abu Suleiman al-Muhajir, Shafi Sultan Mohammed al-Ajmi and Abdul Samarez Jashari have also been removed from the US sanctions list.
Only after detailed official clarification on all these matters comes out from the US administration, it will be clear what was the basis and purpose of removal from the list.
After the terrorist attacks on America on September 11, 2001, then President George W. The Bush administration launched military operations against al-Qaeda and the Taliban. The US began military action in Afghanistan on October 7, 2001.
Later, America’s military activities spread to Iraq and Syria, where operations were also conducted against the Islamic State i.e. Daesh (ISIS).
The news of lifting of sanctions on people said to be associated with Al-Qaeda has come at a time when America is moving towards the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. In such a situation, it is natural for questions to arise among security experts and analysts regarding this decision.
However, removal of a person’s name from the sanctions list does not in itself mean the end of all charges against him. The final position in this matter will be clear only from the official information and related documents of the US government.