U.S. Labels Iran Sunni Group As Terrorists

Jundallah militants stand over a blindfolded and kneeling kidnapped Iranian security worker, in footage broadcast by Al-Arabiyah in June 2000.

The United States has designated a Sunni militant group as a terrorist organization.

Jundallah (God's Soldiers) has engaged in attacks resulting in the death of scores of Iranian civilians and government officials over the past years, using tactics such as suicide bombings, ambushes, kidnappings, and targeted assassinations.

Jundallah says it fights for the rights of Iran's Sunni Muslim minority and its activities are focused on Iran's Sistan-Baluchistan Province bordering Pakistan.

The U.S. move puts Jundallah on a list of nearly 50 groups that Washington deems involved in terrorism and subjects to financial sanctions.

compiled from agency reports