US Designates Muslim Brotherhood Chapters in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon as Foreign Terrorist Groups
The US government has officially designated chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon as foreign terrorist groups. The leader of the Lebanese Muslim Brotherhood, Muhammad Fawzi Taqqosh, has been listed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). This move is part of a broader effort to address the violence and destabilization caused by these chapters, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The Treasury Department has also designated the Egyptian and Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood chapters as SDGTs for aiding and abetting Hamas. The Egyptian chapter has been accused of coordinating and funding Hamas for years, while the Jordanian chapter has been involved in terrorism cases and materially assisted Hamas. Despite their peaceful public image, both chapters have conspired to support terrorism and undermine their national governments.
President Trump's executive order in November aimed to eliminate the capabilities and operations of Muslim Brotherhood chapters designated as foreign terrorist organizations. The order highlighted instances where the Brotherhood collaborated with other terrorist groups to launch attacks against civilian and military targets. The Brotherhood has also been accused of trying to infiltrate US college campuses as part of a long-term plan to influence Western society.
The Treasury will now impose economic sanctions on the property and interests held by the designated Muslim Brotherhood chapters in the US, as well as any entities majority-owned by the Brotherhood. Florida and Texas have previously designated the group as a foreign terrorist organization. The Muslim Brotherhood's public relations arm has not yet responded to the designation.
In conclusion, the US government's decision to designate the Muslim Brotherhood chapters in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon as foreign terrorist groups reflects a broader effort to address their involvement in violence and destabilization. The move is part of a larger strategy to deprive these chapters of resources and prevent them from supporting terrorism.