List of designated terrorist groups

Several national governments and two international bodies have created lists of organizations that they call terrorist groups. These lists include groups that a government or organization has officially named as using scary or harmful actions to try to change things. Being on such a list can change how these groups operate and how others treat them.

Many groups that are on these lists say they do not use scary actions as a way to fight for their goals. There is also no agreement around the world about what exactly counts as using scary actions.

This list does not include people who act alone to do harmful things, known as lone wolf actions. It also does not include groups that many people think are scary but have not been officially named by a government or organization.

Organizations designated as terrorist

Some countries and groups around the world have made lists of organizations they say are terrorist groups. These lists can change how the groups act and work.

The United Nations Security Council and the ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee have also made their own lists of these groups.

Organizations formerly designated as terrorist

Some groups were once labeled as dangerous by governments or international groups, but later these labels were removed. This list shows those groups that were once called dangerous but are no longer listed as such by the authorities that originally named them.

Process of designation

Different countries have their own ways of deciding which groups are considered harmful. Some countries have clear rules for adding or removing groups from these lists, while others keep their processes secret. Secret lists can make it harder for groups to stop their harmful actions and might encourage more extreme behavior.

Australia

Main article: Designated terrorist organisations in Australia

Since 2002, the Australian Government has kept a list of harmful organizations. This list is managed under special laws and involves groups like the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the Attorney-General's Department.

Bahrain

Main article: Organizations designated as terrorist by Bahrain

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs keeps a public list of individuals and groups that are considered harmful.

Canada

Main article: Organizations designated as terrorist by Canada

Since December 18, 2001, Canada has allowed the government to keep a list of groups involved in harmful activities. Every five years, a review happens to decide if these groups should stay on the list. Groups can ask a judge to review their case.

China

In 2003, the Ministry of Public Security shared a list of harmful groups on its website.

European Union

Main article: List of organisations designated as terrorist by the European Union

The European Union keeps two lists of harmful groups. One list comes from the United Nations, and the other is made by the EU itself. As of January 13, 2020, there were 21 groups on the EU's own list.

India

Main article: List of organisations banned by the Government of India

India’s government keeps a list of banned groups under special laws.

Iran

Main page: Category:Organisations designated as terrorist by Iran

Iran keeps a list of groups it considers harmful, including foreign military forces.

Israel

Israel keeps a list of harmful groups available online.

Kazakhstan

Main article: List of organizations designated as terrorist by Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan publishes a list of harmful groups that courts have banned.

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan keeps a list of harmful groups that courts have banned. As of February 9, 2026, there are 20 groups on this list.

Malaysia

The Ministry of Home Affairs of Malaysia keeps a list of individuals and groups linked to harmful activities. This list follows special laws and matches United Nations rules.

Myanmar

In Myanmar, a special committee decides which groups are harmful. Only two groups are on Myanmar’s list: the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army and Arakan Army.

New Zealand

The New Zealand Police help the Prime Minister decide which groups to list as harmful. New Zealand also follows United Nations rules against harmful groups.

Pakistan

Pakistan’s government can declare a group harmful under special laws. A special authority watches these groups to prevent them from returning.

Philippines

Main article: List of organizations designated as terrorist by the Philippines

The Department of Foreign Affairs keeps a list of harmful groups. A new law in 2020 also includes groups listed by the United Nations.

Russia

Main article: List of organizations designated as terrorist or extremist by Russia

Russia keeps a single list of harmful groups used by its highest court.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka bans certain groups under special laws.

Tajikistan

The National Bank of Tajikistan keeps lists of harmful individuals and groups declared by the Supreme Court. In 2015, one group was banned as harmful.

United Arab Emirates

The Cabinet of the United Arab Emirates adds individuals and groups to its list of harmful organizations.

United Nations

The United Nations does not keep one list of all harmful groups. Instead, it has several lists for specific situations, focusing on certain groups and their supporters.

United Kingdom

Main article: Terrorism Act 2000

The government of the United Kingdom can declare groups harmful. The Home Office keeps a list of these groups.

United States

Main article: United States Department of State list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations

The United States Department of State keeps a list of harmful groups from other countries.