Global Security Newswire

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. has offered $10 million for information leading to the capture of a militant leader in Pakistan, who founded a group blamed for the 2008 attacks in Mumbai, India, that killed 166 people, The New York Times reports.The move could further complicate relations between the two countries (see GSN, Oct. 27, 2011).

Wendy Sherman, the U.S. undersecretary of State for political affairs, announced the reward on Monday for Hafiz Saeed, described as the leader of Lashkar-e-Taiba, during a visit to India.

Saeed founded the group in the 1980’s to pressure India over the disputed territory of Kashmir. The U.S. has designated the group as a foreign terrorist organization. The Times reports that Indian officials have praised the move, who have long called for Saeed's arrest or extradition.

The announcement could increase tensions between Pakistan and the U.S. – as relations are being renegotiated following a border clash last November in which American warplanes killed 24 Pakistani soldiers, and among other events.