UK designates two armed Egyptian groups as ‘terrorists’

The British government announced on Friday that it has added two armed Egyptian groups to its list of terrorist organisations, Anadolu has reported. Hasm and the Revolution Brigade were so designated, explained Britain’s Ambassador in Cairo, as part of the ongoing efforts to fight terrorism.

“Today, we are using complete British legal power against terrorist organisations that have killed several people in Egypt and that are enemies to us all,” said John Casson. His statement pointed out that the designation came in wake of the attacks carried out against the Egyptian people and security agencies.

The decision, which was approved by the British parliament in Westminster, prohibits any dealings or contacts with the groups in question. The Home Office said that the move sends a strong message against terrorist recruitment and financing.

Both groups emerged after the military coup that ousted freely-elected Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi in 2013, which was followed by a violent state crackdown on anti-coup protesters and led to thousands of deaths, detentions and violations of public and individual freedoms and rights.