The U.S. has designated World Human Care, an Indonesia-based organization that has provided financial support to Majelis Mujahidin Indonesia (MMI), an Indonesia-based terrorist group.
The sanctions that have been imposed against World Human Care ensure that all of its property is frozen and no U.S. citizen can do business with the entity.
"We will continue to work with foreign partners to protect legitimate non-profit organizations from abuse by terrorist groups and expose terrorist financing under the guise of humanitarian aid," government officials said in a press release.
The sanctions are taken under Executive Order 13224, which targets terrorists, leaders, and officials of terrorist groups and those providing support to them or for acts of terrorism. The United States has always remained committed to ensuring that there are no barriers to the free flow of legitimate humanitarian assistance. "The United States is taking this action to expose and disrupt MMI's deceptive efforts to use a purported 'humanitarian organization' for illicit purposes as a front for collecting and transferring funds," said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson.
Formed in 2000, MMI was designated by the Department of State in 2000 and has conducted attacks in Indonesia, while also being known for acts of terrorism that threaten the security of U.S. nationals or the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the U.S. "The vast majority of humanitarian aid providers are legitimate and often heroic organizations providing essential, life-saving humanitarian assistance in Syria and elsewhere," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement. "Unfortunately, World Human Care's actions are deplorable not only for their support for terrorist organizations but also because they undermine the work and reputation of genuine humanitarian aid providers worldwide."
MMI has also been linked to the al-Qa'ida-linked Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham in Syria, another designated terrorist group.
