US designates Muslim Brotherhood units in Lebanon, Egypt and Jordan
Washington, Jan 13
The United States on Tuesday announced terrorist designations against three chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood in Lebanon, Egypt and Jordan, citing national security concerns and alleged links to militant activity, as part of what it described as an initial step under an executive order issued by President Donald Trump.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a statement, said the action was taken "as a first step in support of President Trump's commitment to eliminate the capabilities and operations of Muslim Brotherhood chapters that pose a threat to the United States as described in Executive Order 14362."
Rubio said the United States is imposing terrorist designations against the Lebanese, Jordanian and Egyptian chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood.
Under the decision, the Department of State designated the Lebanese Muslim Brotherhood as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). The group's leader, Muhammad Fawzi Taqqosh, was also designated as an SDGT.
At the same time, the Department of the Treasury designated the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood and the Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood as SDGTs. According to the statement, the two groups were designated "for providing material support to Hamas."
Rubio said the measures mark the opening phase of a broader campaign by the administration. "These designations reflect the opening actions of an ongoing, sustained effort to thwart Muslim Brotherhood chapters' violence and destabilization wherever it occurs," he said.
The Secretary of state said the U.S. government would continue to apply pressure on the designated groups through sanctions and other tools. "The United States will use all available tools to deprive these Muslim Brotherhood chapters of the resources to engage in or support terrorism," Rubio said.
The designations carry significant legal and financial consequences, including restrictions on transactions with U.S. persons, potential asset freezes, and limits on international travel for those named. U.S. officials said the measures are intended to disrupt funding networks and operational capabilities linked to the groups.
The announcement follows President Trump's issuance of Executive Order 14362, which directs U.S. agencies to take action against organizations deemed to pose a threat to American security interests. Rubio said Monday's step was part of implementing that directive.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While I understand the security concerns, we must be careful not to paint entire communities with the same brush. Designating political groups as terrorists is a serious step. The US should ensure its actions don't fuel further radicalization in the region.
Interesting timing. The US often acts unilaterally in these matters. India has dealt with cross-border terrorism for decades. We need consistent global cooperation, not just actions that suit one country's political agenda. Jai Hind!
As someone living in Delhi, I appreciate any step that weakens networks linked to extremism. Stability in the Middle East is directly connected to our security and energy needs. Hope this brings some positive change.
The link to Hamas is key. Any group supporting terrorism against civilians must face consequences. India has suffered enough from proxy wars and sponsored terror. Strong action is welcome. 🙏
I have mixed feelings. On one hand, terrorism is evil. On the other, the "Muslim Brotherhood" name covers many local chapters with different agendas. Blanket designations can backfire. The US should work more with regional partners like Egypt and Jordan on this.
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