USA designates al-Qaida’s Mali branch JNIM as terrorist organisation

Today, the US Department of State has designated Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation, under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, under section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224.

According to the US press release, JNIM has described itself as “al-Qaida’s official branch in Mali” and has claimed responsibility for “numerous attacks and kidnappings since it was formed in March 2017”. As a result of today’s action, JNIM will now be subject to US asset freezing measures. OFAC Notice here.