U.S. Declares Balochistan Liberation Army and Majeed Brigade as Foreign Terrorist Organization

Report by “Safarti Tarjuman” International News Desk

Washington — The United States Department of State has officially designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its militant wing, the Majeed Brigade, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). The action also updates the group’s prior Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) status—originally applied in 2019—by adding the Majeed Brigade as an official alias.

The State Department said the move reflects the Trump Administration’s resolve to fight terrorism and disrupt the operational and financial networks of violent groups targeting civilians and security forces.

Since its 2019 SDGT listing, the BLA has continued its violent campaign, claiming responsibility for multiple attacks, including those carried out by the Majeed Brigade.

• In 2024, the group claimed suicide bombings near Karachi airport and the Gwadar Port Authority Complex.
• In March 2025, the BLA said it was behind the hijacking of the Jaffar Express passenger train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, killing 31 people and taking over 300 hostages.

The designation was made under Section 219 of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, both of which target individuals and entities engaged in terrorism. Once published in the Federal Register, the FTO designation will take effect, enabling U.S. authorities to freeze assets, block financial transactions, and prosecute individuals providing material support to the organization.

U.S. officials emphasized that terrorist designations are a key counterterrorism tool, severely limiting an organization’s ability to recruit, raise funds, and coordinate internationally. The State Department stated this action sends a clear signal that the United States will not tolerate extremist violence targeting civilians or critical infrastructure.

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