Explore a comprehensive compilation of entities officially designated by the U.S. government under counter-terrorism criteria. This list includes extremist groups, nationalist/separatist organizations, and drug cartels, all identified for their involvement in terrorist activities. Understanding these designations is crucial for analyzing foreign policy and global security, as well as for the study of international terrorism. The information is based on State Department guidelines and the Anti-Terrorism Act, offering a clear view of organizations posing a security threat.
The Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. Secretary of State on March 16, 2026. This designation is based on accusations that the organization has orchestrated violence against civilians and undermined peace efforts in Sudan, qualifying it for inclusion on this list.
The Lebanese Muslim Brotherhood was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) by the U.S. Department of State on January 13, 2026. This designation entails asset blocking and criminalizing transactions with the organization, based on a review of the Administrative Record and in consultation with the Attorney General and the Secretary.
The Clan del Golfo was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) by the United States Secretary of State on December 17, 2025. This designation was made under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, recognizing its violent nature and funding through drug trafficking. Furthermore, it was designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist under Executive Order 13224 on the same date, expanding sanctions and material support tools against the organization.
The Cartel de los Soles was formally designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) by the United States on November 24, 2025. This designation stems from allegations that the organization, purportedly led by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, is deeply involved in drug trafficking and illegal mining activities.
Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) was officially designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) by the U.S. on February 20, 2025. This designation enables U.S. authorities to target its financial networks and associates, disrupting its transnational operations. The action underscores the organization's perceived significant threat to national and international security.
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Segunda Marquetalia was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) by the U.S. Department of State on December 1, 2021. This group, formed by former FARC commanders, has engaged in terrorist activity and is responsible for the killings of former FARC members and community leaders since its creation in 2019.
FARC-EP was designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department in December 2021, reflecting its history of violent activities and its impact on regional security. This designation was a measure to disrupt financial support for its operations and exert pressure on the group. However, the U.S. State Department removed them from its list of foreign terrorist organizations in December 2021, following the 2016 peace agreement.
ISIS-DRC was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) by the U.S. State Department in March 2021. This designation acknowledges its integration into ISIS's global network and its history of violent attacks against civilians in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.