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18:33 GMT
WASHINGTON, Dec 18 (KUNA) -- The US on Thursday designated as terrorists an Egyptian militant group and a senior leader from Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), according to a press release from the Department of State.
"Ajnad Misr is an Egyptian violent extremist group that splintered from Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis (ABM), a designated foreign terrorist organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global entity," the statement said.
"Ajnad Misr officially announced its formation in January 2014, and has since claimed numerous attacks on Egyptian security forces at government buildings, public spaces and universities, often injuring or killing innocent bystanders," it noted.
Ibrahim Al-Rubaysh, whose nationality was not disclosed, "serves as a senior advisor for AQAP operational planning and is involved in the planning of attacks," the statement said.
"He has served as a senior AQAP sharia official since 2013, and as a senior AQAP sharia official, Al-Rubaysh provides the justification for attacks conducted by AQAP.
"In addition, he has made public statements, including one in August 2014 where he called on Muslims to wage war against the United States," it pointed out.
There is currently a USD 5 million reward for information leading to his capture.
"The consequences of these designations include a prohibition against US persons engaging in transactions with Ajnad Misr or Al-Rubaysh, and the freezing of all property and interests of Ajnad Misr and al-Rubaysh that are in the United States, or come within the United States or the possession or control of US persons," the statement added. (end)
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