Argentine government declares Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization

The Argentine government announced on Wednesday it declared the Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization.  The Office of the President announced the decision on X, saying the group has been incorporated into Argentina’s Public Registry of Persons and Entities Linked to Acts of Terrorism and their Financing (RePET). Founded in Egypt in 1928, the Muslim Brotherhood is a transnational Sunni Islamist organization with links to other Islamic organizations, such as Hamas and Hezbollah. According to the released statement, the measure was requested by President Javier Milei and decided in conjunction with the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of National Security, the Ministry of Justice, and the State Intelligence Secretariat (SIDE). “This measure strengthens mechanisms for the prevention, early detection, and punishment of terrorism and those who finance it, so that members of the Muslim Brotherhood and their allies cannot act freely,” reads the communiqué. It adds that the decision will reinforce the cooperation with other countries who have designated the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, such as the United States, Israel, Paraguay, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt. “The President of the Nation remains unwavering in his commitment to recognize terrorists for what they are,” says the press release. “This government is convinced that Argentina must realign itself with Western civilization, be respectful of individual rights and its institutions, while condemning and fighting head-on those who seek to destroy it.” Argentina’s decision follows that of the United States, which listed the Muslim Brotherhood organisations in Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan as terrorist groups on Tuesday. Argentine Foreign Ministry warns citizens On Wednesday, the Argentine Foreign Ministry also posted a message on X, warning Argentine citizens residing in the Middle East to “stay alert” in light of “current events” in the region. It comes as protests in Iran have escalated, leading to over 2,570 deaths, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). On Wednesday, Qatar’s International Media Office confirmed that U.S. personnel were ordered to leave the Al Udeid military base in Qatar amid the rising regional tensions. In its message, the Argentine Foreign Ministry said they’re in constant contact with Argentine embassies in the region, who are closely monitoring developments. The Foreign Ministry also informed that “governments and authorities in each country are the only official sources of information” and suggested residents stay alert to announcements from local authorities and Argentine representatives in the region, and follow their instructions at all times. They also advised keeping travel documents and personal data up to date in the consulate of the country where they reside, and suggested reaching out to the Foreign Ministry’s website for emergency contacts.