Washington, El Sky News – The United States government has officially labeled four left-wing militant groups in Europe, linked to the Antifa movement, as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) and plans to designate them as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) effective 20 November 2025.
The groups named by the U.S. State Department are:
- Antifa Ost (Germany), also known as Antifa East or Hammerbande
- Informal Anarchist Federation / International Revolutionary Front (Italy)
- Armed Proletarian Justice (Greece)
- Revolutionary Class Self‑Defense (Greece)
Allegations and Ideology
According to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, these groups are accused of espousing “revolutionary anarchist or Marxist ideologies,” including anti-Americanism, anti-capitalism, and hostility toward Christianity. The State Department claims they have used these ideological foundations to justify violent attacks “both domestically and overseas.”
Accused Activities
- Antifa Ost (Germany) is alleged to have carried out premeditated violent attacks — including hammer attacks — against people it considered “fascists” between 2018 and 2023. Additionally, reports tie some of its members to a 2023 incident in Budapest, Hungary.
- The Italian International Revolutionary Front (FAI/IRF) is said to have a long history of political violence, including sending letter bombs to EU officials, attacking business figures, and engaging in shootings.
- In Greece, Armed Proletarian Justice is accused of planting a bomb near a riot police headquarters in Goudi in 2023. Meanwhile, Revolutionary Class Self‑Defense claims responsibility for an April 2025 explosion at Hellenic Train offices and a 2024 attack on the labor ministry.
Sanctions and Legal Impact
With these designations:
- U.S. persons and entities face sanctions if they engage in transactions with these groups.
- The groups’ assets can be frozen under U.S. jurisdiction via the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
- Providing “material support” to these organizations from U.S. territory may be prosecuted under U.S. counterterrorism law.
Global and Political Reactions
The move marks the first time the U.S. has designated Antifa-linked groups abroad as foreign terrorist organizationsSome analysts criticize the move, warning that it broadens the definition of “terrorism” beyond traditional Islamist or ethno-nationalist threats.
A Greek official, speaking anonymously, stated that the Greek government opposes “any terrorist act or terrorist organization.” Meanwhile, the Italian government had not issued an immediate public comment.
