Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The United States has identified top operatives of Al Qaida movements in Iraq and Syria.

The State Department has designated two leading Al Qaida operatives for sanctions. The two were identified as Abu Mohammed Al Adani and Said Arif, also designated by the United Nations for their roles in Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant as well as Nusra Front for the Defense of Levant.

“Abu Mohammed Al Adnani, born Taha Sobhi Falaha in Syria, is the official spokesman for and a senior leader of ISIL,” the State Department said.

In a statement on Aug. 18, the State Department said Al Adani, who criticized Al Qaida leader Ayman Zawahiri, was the main conduit for ISIL propaganda. The statement cited Al Adani’s announcement of ISIL’s declaration of an Islamic caliphate in Iraq and Syria in July 2013.

“Al Adnani was one of the first foreign fighters to oppose coalition forces in Iraq before becoming ISIL’s spokesman,” the State Department said.

Arif was identified as a former officer for the Algerian Army. The State Department said Arif deserted the army and traveled to Afghanistan to train with Al Qaida in the 1990s. More than a decade ago, Arif arrived in France where he was said to have participated in plots to blow up major sites, including the Eiffel Tower.

“In October 2013, Arif fled house arrest in France, traveled to Syria, and joined the terrorist group Al Nusra Front,” the State Department said.

Arif, whose real name is Omar Gharib, has been the target of a search by Interpol. Officials said Arif became a major commander for Nusra in northern Syria.

“Along with Arif’s U.S. designation, he will be added to the UN 1267/1989 Al Qaida Sanctions list, requiring all member states to implement an assets freeze, a travel ban, and an arms embargo against Arif,” the State Department said.

  Abu Mohammed Al Adani, Nusra Front, Said Arif, U.S. identifies top ISIL leaders, U.S. State Department