The Taliban has denounced moves by the United States to blacklist the Pakistan-based Haqqani network as a terrorist organization, saying it would have no impact on militant operations.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid also claimed there was "no separate entity in Afghanistan by the name of Haqqani," saying the network's commanders and fighters are all loyal to Taliban supreme leader Mullah Omar.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced the designation on September 7.
It takes effect on September 14, imposing sanctions against "material support or resources" for the organization.
U.S. officials have accused the Pakistani state of having ties to the Haqqani network.
Individuals from the group were placed on the U.S. terrorist blacklist earlier.
But Washington had resisted blacklisting the entire group over concerns it would hamper attempted peace talks.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid also claimed there was "no separate entity in Afghanistan by the name of Haqqani," saying the network's commanders and fighters are all loyal to Taliban supreme leader Mullah Omar.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced the designation on September 7.
It takes effect on September 14, imposing sanctions against "material support or resources" for the organization.
U.S. officials have accused the Pakistani state of having ties to the Haqqani network.
Individuals from the group were placed on the U.S. terrorist blacklist earlier.
But Washington had resisted blacklisting the entire group over concerns it would hamper attempted peace talks.
