US designates Muslim Brotherhood chapters in Lebanon, Egypt and Jordan as terrorist groups, citing threats to national security under Trump leadership
The United States Government on Tuesday announced that it has designated the Lebanese, Egyptian and Jordanian chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organisations, citing national security concerns and the protection of American citizens.
Also read: Over N4 million raised for Onisese after house was set ablaze by Muslim fanatics, donations continue
The designation was announced in a statement issued by the Trump administration, which said the move was part of a broader effort to eliminate the operational capabilities of foreign groups seen as hostile to United States interests.
“Under President Donald Trump’s leadership, the United States will eliminate the capabilities and operations of Muslim Brotherhood chapters that threaten U.S. citizens and our national security,” the statement said.
The decision means that any financial, logistical or material support to the named groups by individuals or organisations under U.S. jurisdiction is now a criminal offence, and that assets linked to the groups may be frozen.
Officials said the move reflects what they described as mounting evidence that certain overseas branches of the Islamist movement are engaged in activities that undermine regional stability and pose risks beyond their home countries.
The Muslim Brotherhood, founded in Egypt in 1928, is a transnational Islamist organisation with political, social and religious branches across the Middle East and beyond.
While some of its affiliates participate in electoral politics, others have been accused by governments of links to extremism, a claim the group has repeatedly denied.
The designation is likely to strain relations with parts of the Arab world where the Brotherhood retains social and political influence, and could have diplomatic repercussions in Lebanon, Egypt and Jordan.
Human rights groups and some policy analysts warned that the move could be used by regional governments to justify crackdowns on political opposition, while supporters of the decision praised it as a firm and necessary step to confront extremist threats.
Also read: Three Muslims arrested over arson attack on traditional worshipper in Ilorin
The State Department said further guidance would be issued to clarify the legal and financial implications of the designation for U.S. citizens, businesses and international partners.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
