Egypt welcomes US decision to place Hasm and Lewaa Al-Thawra on terror list: Ministry
Egypt welcomes the US decision to place two Egyptian terrorist groups, Hasm and Lewaa Al-Thawra, on its terror list, the Egyptian foreign ministry said in a statement on Thursday.
Egypt considers the decision a positive development in the perception of Egypt’s international partners, especially the United States, regarding the threat of the Muslim Brotherhood and its affiliated terrorist groups, the ministry’s statement said.
Foreign ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zaid said that the US decision is a real-world demonstration of solidarity with Egypt against terrorism, and an important step forward by the international community in adopting a comprehensive strategy to fighting terrorism and eradicating its roots.
The Egyptian government says that Hasm and Lewaa Al-Thawra are affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood group, which is banned and designated a terrorist organisation in Egypt.
Hasm and Lewaa Al-Thawra have claimed responsibility for several terrorist attacks in Egypt that have killed dozens of police and army personnel.
The US has also put the head of the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas, Ismail Haniya, on its terror blacklist and has hit him with sanctions.
The US government also placed sanctions on Harakat Al-Sabireen, a small Iran-affiliated militant group that splintered from the Islamic Jihad and operates in Gaza, according to the US Secretary of State.
“These designations target key terrorist groups and leaders – including two sponsored and directed by Iran – who are threatening the stability of the Middle East, undermining the peace process, and attacking our allies Egypt and Israel,” US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said in a statement on Wednesday.
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