Why has the US designated Muslim Brotherhood units in Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The US has designated three chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations.
- The decision is part of an executive order issued by President Trump.
- Legal and financial consequences include restrictions on transactions and travel.
- The designations aim to disrupt funding networks linked to militant activities.
- Secretary of State Rubio emphasized ongoing efforts to combat violence from these factions.
Washington, Jan 13 (NationPress) The United States has declared terrorist designations on three factions of the Muslim Brotherhood located in Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan. This decision stems from national security issues and reported associations with militant activities, marking an initial move under an executive order signed by President Donald Trump.
In a statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that this action represents “the first move in alignment with President Trump’s pledge to dismantle the operations and capabilities of Muslim Brotherhood factions that threaten the United States, as outlined in Executive Order 14362.”
Rubio confirmed that the US has classified the Lebanese branch of the Muslim Brotherhood as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). Additionally, the group's leader, Muhammad Fawzi Taqqosh, has also been designated as an SDGT.
Simultaneously, the Department of the Treasury identified both the Egyptian and Jordanian branches as SDGTs, citing their provision of material assistance to Hamas.
Rubio emphasized that these measures signify the commencement of a larger strategy by the administration. “These designations are the first actions in a persistent effort to combat violence and destabilization caused by Muslim Brotherhood factions wherever they emerge,” he stated.
The Secretary of State affirmed that the US government will maintain its pressure on the designated factions through sanctions and various tools. “The United States is committed to utilizing all available resources to strip these Muslim Brotherhood factions of the means to engage in or support terrorism,” Rubio added.
The designations entail serious legal and financial ramifications, such as restrictions on transactions with US entities, possible asset freezes, and limitations on international travel for those identified. US officials noted that these measures are aimed at disrupting the funding channels and operational capacities associated with these groups.
This announcement follows President Trump’s issuance of Executive Order 14362, directing US agencies to act against organizations considered a threat to American security interests. Rubio stated that the recent actions are part of fulfilling that directive.