U.S. may designate Boko Haram as foreign terrorist organization

PanARMENIAN.Net - The U.S. Department of State is expected to designate the Nigerian Islamist militant group, Boko Haram, as a foreign terrorist organization, according to BBC News.

The move would mean U.S. regulatory agencies must block business and financial transactions with Boko Haram. It will become a crime under U.S. law to provide material support to the group.

Boko Haram wants to impose Islamic law in northern Nigeria and has been blamed for thousands of deaths. The group began its insurgency in 2009, and targets both the military and civilians, including schools, and frequently clashes with the Nigerian armed forces.

While Boko Haram's main focus is Nigeria, the U.S. has cited links to the al-Qaeda affiliate in West Africa, and extremist groups in Mali.

The U.S. state department has not formally announced its decision to brand the group a terrorist organization. However, the Associated Press cited an unnamed U.S. official, whilst Reuters quoted congressional sources and others briefed on the matter.

Nigeria's government declared Boko Haram and another militant group Ansaru as terrorist organizations in June, warning that anyone who helps them will face a minimum prison sentence of 20 years.