Washington: The United States has designated 15 members of an al-Qaeda cell in Italy as "terrorists" and ordered American banks to freeze their assets.

All 15 people are believed to be involved in al-Qaeda cells in Milan, Cremon and Parma. Most of them are already in custody with Italian authorities.

The Treasury order blocks their financial assets in the US. It also prohibits the 15 from conducting any financial transactions in the US and with Americans.

All 15 members are charged with plotting to commit terrorist activities, providing cell members with weapons and explosives, recruiting individuals and fabricating travel documents to help them reach military camps mainly in Iraq, collecting money for terrorist-related activities and sharing religious and extremist ideals, the department factsheet said.

They have also been charged with maintaining contacts throughout Europe, Middle and Western Asia including Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan and Malaysia.

PTI