Blow to Pakistan: U.S. designates Hizbul Chief Salahuddin as 'global terrorist'

In a major vindication for India and embarrassment for Pakistan, the U.S. Department of State on Monday designated Hizbul Chief Mohammad Yusuf Shah, also known as Syed Salahuddin, as a 'Specially Designated Global Terrorist'.

"Department of State has designated Mohammad Yusuf Shah, also known as (AKA) Syed Salahuddin, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) under Section 1(b) of Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, which imposes sanctions on foreign persons who have committed, or pose a significant risk of committing, acts of terrorism that threaten the security of U.S. nationals or the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United States. As a consequence of this designation, U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with Salahuddin and all of Salahuddin's property and interests in property subject to United States jurisdiction are blocked," the State Department said in a statement.

Salahuddin is the senior leader of the militant group Hizbul Mujahideen. In September, 2016, Salahuddin vowed to block any peaceful resolution to the Kashmir conflict, threatened to train more Kashmiri suicide bombers, and vowed to turn the Kashmir valley "into a graveyard for Indian forces."

Under Salahuddin's tenure as senior Hizbul leader, the terror outfit has claimed responsibility for several attacks, including the April 2014 explosives attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which injured 17 people.

"Today's action notifies the U.S. public and the international community that Mohammad Yusuf Shah, AKA Syed Salahuddin, has committed, or poses a significant risk of committing, acts of terrorism. Designations of terrorist individuals and groups expose and isolate organizations and individuals, and result in denial of access to the U.S. financial system. Moreover, designations can assist or complement the law enforcement actions of other nations," the statement added.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi had met US Secretary Of State Rex Tillerson and discussed the nations' commitments to advancements and a hard look at terror.

During the meeting, there was strong focus on terrorism and counter terrorism.

"It was clear that given the challenges that the two countries have faced and continue to face due to this global menace of terrorism. The discussion was held on the line that how the two sides have cooperated in countering terrorism," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Gopal Baglay said in a press briefing.

The development comes as a major boost to India, hours ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's much awaited meeting with President Donald Trump.