US designates three Muslim Brotherhood branches as terrorists

US designates three Muslim Brotherhood branches as global terrorists — Muslim Brotherhood supporter. Photo: Reuters

WASHINGTON,— The United States on Tuesday formally designated branches of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan as global terrorist organizations, a step that triggers sanctions against a movement that has shaped Islamist politics across the Middle East for nearly a century.

The U.S. Treasury Department said the three branches were added to its list of specially designated global terrorists after a review process that began late last year.

The designation blocks access to U.S. financial systems and restricts transactions involving American individuals or companies.

American officials said the decision was linked to allegations that the groups have backed Hamas, the Palestinian militant group rooted in Gaza.

The Treasury said the branches had supported or encouraged acts of violence targeting Israel and allies of the United States.

In its statement, the department said the organizations claim to operate as lawful social or civic bodies while maintaining ties to armed groups. It said this dual structure allows them to advance extremist causes under a civilian cover.

Egypt’s government quickly welcomed the U.S. move. The Foreign Ministry said the designation reflects the seriousness of the Muslim Brotherhood’s ideology and its impact on security at both regional and international levels.

The Muslim Brotherhood rose to power in Egypt after the 2011 uprising and secured the presidency in elections held in 2012. Its time in office was short.

In 2013, the military intervened following mass protests, removing the Brotherhood-led government. Authorities have since banned the group and pursued wide-ranging legal action against its members.

Hamas traces its origins to the Muslim Brotherhood. Founded in 1987 during the first Palestinian uprising, Hamas emerged as the Palestinian wing of the Brotherhood and later combined political activity with an armed campaign against Israel.

Qatar is routinely accused of supporting and funding Muslim Brotherhood groups. It is also home to many of the top Muslim Brotherhood leaders, including Hamas’ senior leaders.

Turkey is also considered a headquarters for Muslim Brotherhood groups.

Hassan al-Banna the founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt, 1940s. Photo: Creative Commons/wikipedia

The Muslim Brotherhood, formally known as the Society of the Muslim Brothers, was founded in Egypt in 1928 by Islamic scholar and schoolteacher Hassan al-Banna. Over decades, his ideas spread beyond Egypt and influenced a wide range of Islamist movements, from charities to political parties.

The organization began as a religious and social movement focused on preaching Islam, education and welfare services such as hospitals and businesses.

It later entered politics, opposing British colonial rule in Egypt and promoting the establishment of a state governed by Islamic law.

U.S. officials said the latest designations aim to curb what they view as the misuse of social and political networks to support militant causes.

(With files from Reuters | Agencies)