US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, listed the Houthi terrorist militia, and a number of terrorist groups, including ISIS and Al-Qaeda, as entities of particular concern for participating in or tolerating “continued and serious violations of religious freedom.”

In addition The groups also classified countries, including Myanmar (Burma), China, Eritrea, Iran, and North Korea, in addition to Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.

The US State Department classified Al-Shabaab, Boko Haram, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, the Houthis, ISIS, and ISIS in the Greater Sahara. , ISIS in West Africa, Jama'at Nasr al-Islam and Muslims, and the Taliban, as entities of particular concern.

Secretary Blinken stated in a statement that “each year the Secretary of State bears responsibility for determining which governments and non-state actors are eligible for designation under the Freedom of Action Act.” "The challenges facing religious freedom in the world today are structural, systemic, deeply entrenched and present in every country and they require a sustained global commitment from all who are unwilling to accept it Hatred, intolerance and persecution. It also requires urgent attention by the international community.”

Blinken stressed that the United States “will continue to pressure all governments to address deficiencies in their laws and practices, and to strengthen accountability for those responsible for violations.” It will remain committed to working with governments, civil society organizations and members of faith communities to promote religious freedom around the world and address the suffering of individuals and communities facing mistreatment, harassment and discrimination on the basis of what they believe or do not believe.”