US Designates Hizbul Chief Salahuddin As Global Terrorist, Asks Pakistan To End Cross Border Terror

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

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

The Ministry of External Affairs has said that terrorism and counter-terrorism ruled the discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump. The US has called on Pakistan to bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and other cross-border attacks carried out by Pakistan-based outfits. Washington has also asked Islamabad to ensure that its territory is not used to launch attacks on other countries.

In the joint press statement, Trump stressed on eliminating and destroying radical Islamic terrorism and emphasised on how both nations - the US and India - are deeply affected by the malaise of terrorism.

"Both nations have been struck by the evils of terrorism and are determined to destroy it, especially the radical Islamic terrorism. We will be enhancing the military cooperation and next month, will join the Japan Navy to take part in the largest Maritime exercise in the vast Indian Ocean," Trump said.

With inputs from ANI