BLA, Majeed Brigade Declared Terrorist Organizations by US Following Attacks
The FTO designation will come into effect upon its publication in the Federal Register.
WASHINGTON – The United States has officially designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its militant faction, the Majeed Brigade, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), citing their continued involvement in deadly attacks across Pakistan.
In a statement released Monday, the U.S. Department of State announced the addition of the Majeed Brigade as an alias of the BLA under its existing Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) status, initially imposed in 2019.
Background of the Designation
The BLA was first designated as an SDGT in 2019 following a series of terrorist attacks in Pakistan. Since then, the group has been linked to numerous high-profile incidents, including suicide bombings and armed assaults targeting civilians and security forces.
In 2024 alone, the BLA claimed responsibility for suicide bombings near Karachi airport and the Gwadar Port Authority Complex. Earlier this year, its Majeed Brigade faction carried out the hijacking of the Jaffar Express train from Quetta to Peshawar, resulting in the deaths of 31 civilians and security personnel, and the hostage-taking of over 300 passengers.
U.S. Stance on Counterterrorism
The U.S. State Department emphasized that the designations reaffirm America’s commitment to counterterrorism and efforts to disrupt the financial and operational capabilities of militant organizations.
“Designating these groups sends a clear message: The United States will use all available tools to cut off support for terrorist organizations,” the statement said.
Legal Implications
The designations were made under Section 219 of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, both as amended. These legal measures allow the U.S. government to block assets, impose sanctions, and criminalize support for the designated groups.
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The FTO designation will come into effect upon its publication in the Federal Register.
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