MTN announced today that is a step closer to resolving the Afghanistan terrorism lawsuit. In the court papers, American families argue that for more than a decade, MTN has been integral to the Taliban’s terrorist campaign against Americans in Afghanistan.
Africa’s and the Middle East biggest mobile phone operator faces a lawsuit filed United States District Court for the District of Columbia for violation of the anti-terrorism act. For more read: MTN To Defend Itself Against US Lawsuit for Alleged Funding the Taliban
The American families argue alleges that the company paid the Taliban for protection, providing the insurgency with money that was used to attack and kill U.S. troops.
The complaint was filed on behalf of American service members and civilians, and their families, who were killed or wounded in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2017.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the plaintiffs are the families of 143 American troops and contractors killed and wounded in Afghanistan. The defendants named in the complaint are six different groups one of which is MTN and certain of its subsidiary companies including MTN Afghanistan.
Today, MTN said it is a step closer to resolving the lawsuit.
“We welcome the recommendation by the magistrate judge to dismiss the case on the grounds of lack of jurisdiction as well as the complaint not alleging any conduct by MTN Afghanistan that violated the Anti-Terrorism Act,” said MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita.
“Across our territories, we conduct our business in a responsible and compliant manner. We will continue to defend our conduct and reputation where necessary, in this regard.”
