The UN Security Council last night unanimously adopted a US-sponsored resolution demanding that all nations freeze finances of terrorism suspects and crack down on groups who help them.
The measure approved by all 15 council members, dramatically expands the UN role in the global war on terrorism.
It also requires countries to deny safe haven to anyone responsible for, or supporting a terror attack and criminalizes the financing of such attacks.
Many of the provisions in the document are contained in treaties some countries have ratified or are expected to. But the new resolution would invoke Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which makes it mandatory for all 189 UN members immediately.
The main thrust of the resolution is on the financing of clandestine networks. It would freeze financial assets of people who have committed, or attempted to commit, terrorist acts or participated in groups owned or controlled directly or indirectly by such people.
Enforcement of the sweeping resolution may be difficult as no sanctions are included. The Security Council will set up a committee of its 15 members to monitor the resolution's implementation and draw on the expertise of banking and other technical experts.