US designates Balochistan Liberation Army, Majeed Brigade as foreign terrorist organizations
The United States has designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its militant wing, the Majeed Brigade, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations
WASHINGTON (MNTV) — The United States has designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its militant wing, the Majeed Brigade, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), the State Department announced Monday.
The move also lists the Majeed Brigade as an alias to the BLA’s existing status as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) entity, first imposed in 2019 following multiple deadly attacks in Pakistan.
Since that designation, the group has claimed responsibility for further violence, including attacks carried out by the Majeed Brigade.
In 2024, the BLA said it was behind suicide bombings near Karachi airport and the Gwadar Port Authority Complex.
In March 2025, it claimed responsibility for hijacking the Jaffar Express train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, killing 31 civilians and security personnel and holding more than 300 passengers hostage.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but least populated province, has faced decades of low-level insurgency involving armed separatist groups, militant violence, and military operations.
Pakistani authorities have accused the BLA of targeting security forces, infrastructure, and civilians, while rights groups have documented human rights concerns in the region.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused India of supporting the BLA, alleging that India has provided arms, training, and financing to the group.
Pakistani officials have described the BLA as an “Indian proxy,” claims that Delhi has denied.
The State Department said the action reflects the Trump administration’s commitment to countering terrorism.
“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.
The designations were made under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, and will take effect upon publication in the Federal Register.
Background and Regional Context
BLA is an armed separatist group active in southwestern Pakistan, seeking greater autonomy or independence for Balochistan.
It is designated as a terrorist organization by Pakistan, the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Iran, and the European Union.
Operating mainly from bases in Afghanistan and using guerrilla tactics, the group has carried out attacks targeting security forces, infrastructure, and civilians.
Its suicide unit, the Majeed Brigade, has mounted high-profile assaults on diplomatic missions, Chinese interests, and transport networks.
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