Vietnam has designated two political groups operating in the United States as “terrorist organizations,” citing their alleged involvement in orchestrating attacks and advocating for a secessionist agenda, according to its internal security agency.
The Ministry of Public Security identified the North Carolina-based Montagnard Support Group Inc (MSGI) and Montagnard Stand for Justice (MSFJ), established in Thailand, as the targeted groups. Both organizations are accused of operating in the United States and are allegedly linked to deadly attacks in Vietnam’s Central Highlands region in June 2023, resulting in nine fatalities, including four policemen.
The U.S. embassy in Hanoi and the two groups have yet to respond to Reuters’ requests for comments.
Vietnam’s communist government has consistently monitored the activities of overseas-based dissident groups, often referring to them as “reactionaries.” It has previously labeled several organizations, which pledge allegiance to the defunct South Vietnam, as “terrorist” groups, stemming from the Vietnam War’s outcome in 1975.
The ministry statement asserted that the newly designated groups had recruited ethnic minority individuals in Vietnam, provided them with training, and instructed them to engage in terrorist activities, incite protests, target officials and civilians, sabotage state assets, and pursue secessionist aspirations.
The statement warned that anyone associated with or receiving funding from these groups would face terrorism charges and subsequent legal actions.
