In a posting Monday, the Canada Gazette identifies JMA as an entity that ‘has knowingly carried out, attempted to carry out, participated in or facilitated a terrorist activity.’ JMA is an Islamist group made up of Chechen and other Russian-speaking foreign fighters that has been active in fighting against the government of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria.
JMA -- also referred to by Canadian government officials as Jaish al-Muhajireen wal Ansar, Jaysh al-Muhajireen wa’l-Ansar, Army of Migrants and Supporters, Army of Emigrants and Helpers, Muhajireen Brigade and Mujahideen Army -- was briefly affiliated with ISIS in 2013, but currently operates independently.
JMA was designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department on Sept. 24, 2014. At the time, U.S. officials described the JMA as "a Chechen-led terrorist organization based in Syria that consists primarily of foreign fighters." However, the group is known to have integrated Syrian rebel brigades into its ranks.
According to the U.S.-based think tank Foundation for Defense of Democracies, JMA fighters, battle-tested in three decades of war with Russian troops, have been instrumental in achieving key victories against forces loyal to the Syrian government.
Canada’s List of Entities falls under Bill C-36, the Anti-terrorism Act. According to the Government of Canada it is not a crime to be listed. However, one of the consequences of being listed is that the entity's property can be the subject of seizure/restraint and/or forfeiture. In addition, institutions such as banks are required to fully disclose any financial relationship with a group or individual on the entity list.
