US imposes sanctions on militant linked to Nice attacks

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Obama administration has imposed sanctions on a French citizen considered to be one of the top Syria-based recruiters of potential militants.

Omar Diaby was added to the State Department's list of Specially Designated Global Terrorists Friday, which imposes sanctions on foreigners or groups who have committed or are looking to commit acts that threaten U.S. security. He is known for his French-language jihadi recruitment videos, notably on YouTube, and was among the first to target girls for recruitment.

The suspect who drove a 19-ton truck into crowds gathered for Bastille Day celebrations in Nice this year was found to have links to Diaby.

Also named to the list was Fathi Ahmad Mohammad Hammad, a senior Hamas official who the State Department said has coordinated extremist cells.