Title: U.K. Declares Russia’s Wagner Mercenary Group as Banned Terrorist Organization
In a significant move aimed at enhancing global security, the United Kingdom has announced its decision to designate the notorious Russian Wagner mercenary group as a banned terrorist organization. This development comes despite the recent demise of its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, who reportedly died in a plane crash on August 23 under suspicious circumstances.
The U.K. government plans to introduce legislation in Parliament to proscribe the Wagner group under the Terrorism Act. Once approved, this legislation will render membership in or support for the group illegal, providing authorities with the necessary tools to tackle the threat it poses. Home Secretary Suella Braverman emphasized that the Wagner group has been involved in activities such as looting, torture, and barbarous murders, making it a significant global security concern.
Wagner has been extensively involved in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as operating in Syria and various African nations. With this designation, the Wagner group will join the ranks of notorious terrorist organizations such as the Islamic State group, Hamas, and Northern Ireland paramilitaries.
This ban not only serves as a preventive measure but also enables U.K. authorities to seize any assets linked to the Wagner group, even though the group is not known to operate within Britain’s borders. The decision aligns with previous actions taken by other allies of Ukraine, who have already sanctioned Wagner’s leaders. The United States has additionally designated the group as a transnational criminal organization.
The move follows a recommendation by Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee in July to outlaw the Wagner group, given the uncertainty surrounding its future following Prigozhin’s armed mutiny against Russia’s top military leaders. The committee strongly encourages the U.K. to disrupt the group’s activities and further undermine its operations.
With this declaration, the U.K. sends a clear message that it is committed to combating global terrorism and addressing threats to international security. By banning the Wagner group and taking comprehensive measures against its activities, the U.K. aims to contribute to the safety and stability of nations affected by the group’s actions.
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