Canada adds Abdullah Azzam Brigades to list of terrorist entities

Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Steven Blaney announced Monday the addition of the Abdullah Azzam Brigades to Canada's Criminal Code list of terrorist entities.

"The international jihadi movement has declared war on Canada and its allies. The listing of terrorist entities under the criminal code is a critical component in our government's efforts to counter terrorist activity and terrorist financing. This addition to the Criminal Code list of terrorist entities, as well as a number of administrative changes, will ensure that our government's list of terrorist entities reflect the continually evolving terrorist threat," said Blaney.

The Abdullah Azzam Brigades is an al-Qaeda affiliated terrorist organization that has claimed responsibility for several rocket attacks in northern Israel and has also repeatedly articulated its intent to carry out attacks against Western targets in the Middle East.

In 2014, the Abdullah Azzam Brigades claimed joint responsibility with Jabhat al-Nusra for rocket attacks in Hermel, Lebanon.

The terrorist organization also claimed responsibility for two suicide bombings near the Iranian cultural center in Beirut, Lebanon in February, 2014.

The criminal code allows for severe penalties for persons and organizations that deal in the property or finances of a listed entity.

In addition, it is a crime to knowingly participate in, or contribute to, any activity of a listed entity for the purpose of enhancing the ability of the entity to facilitate or carry out a terrorist activity. These offenses and related offenses are set out, in full, in the criminal code.