US declares al-Qaida fundraiser a global terrorist

WASHINGTON – The Obama administration has designated as a terrorist an al-Qaida commander and fundraiser believed to be playing a key role in the group's powerful Yemen-based branch.

The State Department said Othman al-Ghamdi (AHT'-mahn al-GEHM'-eh-dee) has worked with other members of al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula to plan and stockpile weapons for attacks.

A statement said he identified himself in a video last year as an operational commander. He appeared alongside the group's military leader Qasim al-Rimi (KAZ'-eem al-REE'-mee) and operative Fahd al-Quso (fahd al-'KOO-zoh). Al-Quso is wanted in connection with the 2000 USS Cole bombing.

The United Nations also included al-Ghamdi on a sanctions list Thursday. As a result, he is subject to an asset freeze, travel ban and arms embargo around the world.