US Designates Muslim Brotherhood Branches in Three Countries as Terrorist
The United States has designated Muslim Brotherhood-linked organisations in Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan as terrorist groups, expanding Washington’s efforts to counter movements it views as destabilising in the region.
The move follows a directive issued late last year that initiated the process of blacklisting the organisations. US officials say the decision is part of a broader strategy to curb what they describe as violent or destabilising activities.
The designation makes it illegal to provide material support to the groups, imposes financial restrictions and severely limits entry into the United States for current and former members.
Founded in Egypt in 1928, the Muslim Brotherhood has branches and affiliated organisations across the Middle East, including political parties and social movements. The group maintains that it is committed to peaceful political engagement.
In Lebanon, an affiliated organisation holds seats in parliament, while Jordan banned the movement last year. In Egypt, the Brotherhood has been outlawed since 2013 following the removal of an elected government.
The US decision has drawn criticism from representatives of the affected organisations, who argue that their legal status should be determined by domestic laws rather than foreign political classifications.
