The United States has labeled the Egyptian, Lebanese, and Jordanian branches of the Muslim Brotherhood as “terrorist organizations.” This decision, initiated in November, will lead to sanctions against the groups. The US Treasury Department accused them of supporting violent attacks against Israel and American partners.
The US will impose financial and travel restrictions on these branches. The Treasury Department stated that the Muslim Brotherhood chapters claim to be civic organizations but actively support groups like Hamas. Assets held by the group in the US will be blocked, and transactions involving them will be criminalized.
Egypt’s foreign ministry praised the move, emphasizing the threat posed by the group’s extremist ideology. The Muslim Brotherhood, founded in Egypt in 1928, once held significant influence in the Arab world but has faced crackdowns in recent years. The movement’s political power declined after Mohamed Morsi’s removal from office in 2013.
The US decision was based on alleged support for Hamas by the Egyptian and Jordanian branches. In Lebanon, the Muslim Brotherhood aligned with Hezbollah in launching attacks on Israel. The US State Department expressed concerns over the group’s regional alliances. In Jordan, the Muslim Brotherhood was banned last year for alleged weapon stockpiling and destabilization plots.
