6-3-2024 (HANOI) On Wednesday, Vietnam’s internal security agency designated two US-based political groups, Montagnard Support Group Inc (MSGI) and Montagnard Stand for Justice (MSFJ), as “terrorist organisations.” The Ministry of Public Security accused these groups of orchestrating attacks and promoting a secessionist agenda.
Both organizations, headquartered in North Carolina and established in Thailand, allegedly played a role in deadly attacks in Vietnam’s Central Highlands region in June 2023, resulting in nine casualties, including four policemen.
The US embassy in Hanoi and the accused groups have not yet responded to Reuters’ requests for comment.
The Vietnamese government, sensitive to overseas-based dissident activities led by members of the country’s diaspora, has a history of labeling such groups as “reactionaries.” Several organizations pledging allegiance to the defunct state of South Vietnam have also been listed as “terrorist” groups.
The ministry’s statement claimed that the two groups recruited ethnic minority individuals in Vietnam, providing them with training and instructions to carry out various activities, including terrorist acts, inciting protests, targeting officials and civilians, sabotaging state assets, and attempting to establish their own states.
The statement warned that anyone associated with or receiving funding from these groups would face charges of terrorism.
