The United States has officially designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its militant wing, the Majeed Brigade, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), citing their continued involvement in deadly attacks across Pakistan.

The US Department of State announced the move on Monday, also adding the Majeed Brigade as an alias to the BLA’s existing Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) status, which was first imposed in 2019.

Background of designation

The BLA was initially designated as an SDGT in 2019 after carrying out several terrorist attacks in Pakistan. Since then, the group has claimed responsibility for multiple high-profile assaults, including suicide bombings and armed operations.

In 2024, the BLA claimed responsibility for suicide attacks near Karachi airport and the Gwadar Port Authority Complex. Earlier this year, its Majeed Brigade faction took credit for the March hijacking of the Jaffar Express train, travelling from Quetta to Peshawar, which resulted in the deaths of 31 civilians and security personnel and the hostage-taking of more than 300 passengers.

US stance on counterterrorism

A statement from the US State Department emphasised that the designation reflects the Trump administration’s commitment to combating terrorism and cutting off resources for militant networks.

“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 implications

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 come into effect upon its publication in the Federal Register.