WASHINGTON: The United States said on Monday it has designated a Bahraini citizen — alleged to be an Al-Qaeda operative and wanted in his own country since 2007 — as a “terrorist.”

Ahmed Abdulrahman Sihab Ahmed Sihab, also known as Abdulrahman Al-Sharqi, had already been “publicly charged with planning terrorist attacks as a member of Al-Qaeda,” according to a statement from the State Department.

In naming Sihab a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” the order “blocks all of Sihab’s property interests subject to US jurisdiction and prohibits US persons from engaging in transactions with Sihab.”

Bahrain has been calling for Sihab’s extradition since January 2007 for “participating in terrorist activities,” the State Department noted.

The global police agency Interpol has also issued a “Red Notice” against him, asking authorities in its member states to put him under provisional arrest pending extradition, the statement said.

The decision “demonstrates the continued resolve of the United States in eliminating Al-Qaeda’s ability to execute attacks,” the State Department said, adding that it taken in consultation with the Treasury and Justice departments.

Bahrain, strategically situated across the Persian Gulf from Iran, houses the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet.

In recent years, the kingdom’s authorities have arrested and tried several Bahrainis alleged to be Al-Qaeda members.

Since last year, the tiny Gulf kingdom has also been shaken by protests, led by the Shiite majority, who claim they are marginalized by the Sunni regime. They are calling for political and social reforms.

Amnesty International says around 60 people have been killed since the anti-regime protests first erupted in February 2011.