The United States has formally designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its militant faction, the Majeed Brigade, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), citing their ongoing involvement in lethal attacks across Pakistan.
The US Department of State announced the decision on Monday, also listing the Majeed Brigade as an alias under the BLA’s existing Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) status — first imposed in 2019.
Background of the Designation
Initially blacklisted in 2019, the BLA was sanctioned after multiple terrorist attacks in Pakistan. Since then, it has carried out numerous high-profile operations, including suicide bombings and armed assaults.
In 2024, the group claimed responsibility for suicide attacks near Karachi airport and the Gwadar Port Authority Complex. Earlier this year, the Majeed Brigade admitted to hijacking the Jaffar Express train in March, killing 31 civilians and security personnel, and taking over 300 passengers hostage.
US Position on Counterterrorism
The State Department said the move demonstrates the Trump administration’s commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and cutting off their resources.
“Terrorist designations play a critical role in our fight against this scourge and are an effective way to curtail support for terrorist activities,” the statement read.
Legal Consequences
The designations were made under Section 219 of the US Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, both as amended. The FTO status will become effective once published in the Federal Register.
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