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Bahrain Hails US Designation of 2 Ashtar Brigades Members as Terrorists | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Security forces cordone off the site of a bomb attack west of the Bahraini capital Manama. (Reuters)


Manama, Washington – Bahrain has welcomed the decision by the US Department of State to designate individuals affiliated with Al-Ashtar Brigades as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT) under Executive Order 13224.

Ashtar Brigades conducted dozens of terrorist operations in Bahrain, targeting security guards and primarily the stability in the kingdom. The group also plotted to target Bahraini security sites and interests with a series of terrorist acts practiced by the members of the group in Bahrain, guided by its leadership located in Iran.

“This stance reflects the position of the friendly US Department of State to combat terrorism in all its forms and to confront all those who commit or incite terrorist acts. This designation is another sign of support to the efforts of the kingdom in achieving peace and security and an important step towards the eradication of all forms of terrorism in the region,” Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

“The ministry affirms its confidence in the depth of the historical alliance with the US and its keenness on strengthening these strategic relations in all relevant areas,” the statement added.

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Abdullatif Al-Zayani welcomed the US decision, noting that it reflects the US administration’s supportive stance toward Bahrain’s efforts to combat terrorist organizations and terrorist acts aimed at undermining its security and stability.

“The decision proves the US administration’s support to the Kingdom’s efforts to clamp down on terrorist organizations seeking to subvert its security and stability and terrorize citizens and residents through their heinous criminal acts,” Zayani said.

He lauded the successful efforts of the Bahraini government to expose the campaigns targeting it, stressing that the State Department’s statement reflects the US administration’s determination to reinforce security and stability in the region.