The United States has designated Haqqani network top commander Haji Mali Khan a terrorist.

The State Department said Tuesday that Khan was managing bases for the lethal militant outfit and moving fighters from Pakistan into Afghanistan to launch terrorist attacks.

In late September, Khan was arrested during a joint Afghan-coalition security operation in the eastern Afghan province of Paktia bordering Pakistan.

The Haqqani network is a Taliban-and al-Qaida affiliated group based in North Waziristan, known for carrying out many high-profile attacks on U.S.-led coalition forces fighting the Taliban insurgency.

The U.S. designation of Haji Mali Khan prohibits American citizens from engaging in any transactions with him. Khan's assets in the U.S. will also be frozen.

The State Department said Tuesday's action strengthens Washington's ability to target the Haqqani network's finances and demonstrates its resolve in eliminating its ability to execute violent attacks.