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The United States Department of State today announced the designation of the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood (SMB) as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). The Department also intends to designate the group as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), effective March 16, 2026.
This action targets the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood, which includes the Sudanese Islamic Movement and its armed wing, the al-Baraa Bin Malik Brigade (BBMB). The group has been accused of employing unrestrained violence against civilians to undermine conflict resolution efforts in Sudan and to advance its violent Islamist ideology.
The Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood has contributed more than 20,000 fighters to Sudan's ongoing civil war, many of whom have received training and support from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Fighters associated with the group have carried out mass executions of civilians, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and destabilizing the region.
The BBMB was previously designated in September 2025 under Executive Order 14098 for its role in Sudan's brutal conflict and efforts to undermine a democratic transition.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated: "The Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood, trained and supported by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, has been designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and Specially Designated Global Terrorist for mass executions of civilians.
We will continue to use all available tools to deprive the Iranian regime and Muslim Brotherhood chapters of the resources they need to engage in or support terrorism."
These designations impose severe economic sanctions, including freezing of assets in the U.S. financial system and prohibitions on providing material support or resources to the group. The FTO designation, once effective, will make it illegal for U.S. persons to knowingly provide material support or resources to the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood, and it will enable further measures to disrupt the group's operations and financing.
The United States remains committed to holding accountable those who perpetuate violence in Sudan, support terrorism, and obstruct peace. This step is part of broader efforts to counter destabilizing actors and promote stability in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region.