From time to time, the United States identifies certain groups as terrorist networks, and certain individuals belonging to them as crucial to the operation of these organizations. Most often these are top leaders, or they help finance these groups. In all cases, they are people and groups who have committed, or are deemed to pose a significant risk of committing, acts of terrorism.
When such an individual or group is identified, the U.S. Government places their name on the Specially Designated List. All assets belonging to them that are within U.S. reach are immediately frozen, and the designated entities are effectively locked out of the global financial network. No U.S. citizen or company may conduct business with a designated individual or entity. In this way, the United States disrupts financial support networks for terrorists and terrorist organizations.
The United States Department of State has designated Jemmah Anshorut Tauhid, or JAT, an extremist group, holding it responsible for multiple coordinated attacks against civilians, police, and military personnel in Indonesia.
At the same time the Department of the Treasury has sanctioned the group’s founder and leader, Abu Bakar Ba’asyir; its spokesman, Son Hadi bin Muhadjir; and another prominent leader, Abdul Rosyid Ridho Ba'asyir.
JAT, which was founded in 2008 with the goal of establishing an Islamic caliphate in Indonesia, was responsible for a church bombing in Java last September, deadly attacks on Indonesia policemen and bank robberies aimed at raising money for weapons and bomb materials.
These designations play a critical role in the global fight against terrorism. They are an effective means of curtailing support for terrorist activities and pressuring groups to abandon terrorism.
By designating Jemmah Anshorut Tauhid and its leaders, the United States is taking a decisive step toward cutting off their funds, disrupting their ability to execute their deadly agendas, and ensuring they find it ever more difficult to carry out their acts of violence.
Jemaah Anshorut Tauhid Designated A Terrorism Network
Indonesian police officer stands guard near an armored vehicle outside a church after an explosion in Solo, Central Java, Indonesia, Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011. A suicide bomber attacked the church packed with hundreds of worshippers Sunday, killing himself a
Group held responsible for multiple coordinated attacks against civilians, police, and military personnel in Indonesia.