The United States has added Germany-based Antifa-Ost and several affiliated groups in Italy and Greece to its terrorism lists, marking the first time Washington has formally designated Antifa-linked organizations as global terrorist entities.

According to a statement released by the U.S. Department of State, Antifa-Ost, along with three armed groups connected to Antifa networks in Europe, has been placed under the “Specially Designated Global Terrorists” category. The Department noted that these groups will also be included in the Foreign Terrorist Organizations list beginning 20 November.

The designation triggers a series of legal and financial measures, including the freezing of assets under U.S. jurisdiction and a ban on immigration for members of the listed groups. It also authorizes sanctions against individuals or entities found to be providing material support to them.

The organizations named by the State Department include Antifa-Ost, the Informal Anarchist Federation/International Revolutionary Front, Armed Proletarian Justice, and Revolutionary Class Self-Defense.

Washington’s decision follows previous steps taken by the U.S. administration to classify Antifa-related groups as security threats. A presidential order issued earlier this year described Antifa as a movement that employs unlawful and violent methods against state institutions.

The latest designations come amid ongoing debates in Europe and the United States over the activities of anarchist and anti-fascist groups, as well as the broader security implications of transnational militant networks. (ILKHA)