The Department of State designated Ibrahim Suleiman Hamad Al-Hablain (also known as Abu Jabal) as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist under section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224. Abu Jabal is an explosives expert and operative for the Abdullah Azzam Brigades (AAB), a Lebanese militant organization. According to media reports, AAB claimed responsibility for the July 28, 2010 maritime bombing of a Japanese oil tanker, the M. Star. AAB has also claimed responsibility for firing several rockets into Israel from Lebanon.
Abu Jabal is a Saudi citizen currently wanted for extradition by the Government of Saudi Arabia for participating in extremist activities abroad. He is also the subject of an Interpol Orange Notice issued on February 10, 2009, for activities related to terrorism.
The designation under E.O. 13224 blocks all of Abu Jabal’s property interests subject to U.S. jurisdiction and prohibits U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with or for the benefit of Abu Jabal. The actions taken against this individual demonstrate the United States’ resolve in eliminating AAB’s ability to execute violent attacks. The Department of State took these actions in consultation with the Department of Justice and the Department of Treasury.
