The United States has formally added the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its sub-group, the Majeed Brigade, to its list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs).

According to an international news agency, the US State Department stated that the move reflects Washington’s firm stance of not showing any leniency in the fight against terrorism. The statement noted that the BLA and the Majeed Brigade have claimed responsibility for numerous deadly and violent attacks in Pakistan.

The US said these attacks targeted innocent civilians, security forces, and key infrastructure. The groups have admitted to carrying out several high-profile assaults that resulted in significant loss of life. The State Department stressed that holding the BLA and its sub-group accountable for such attacks is vital for global security, adding that both organizations use militancy as a weapon, contributing to instability in the region.

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Under US law, once a group is designated as a terrorist organization, its assets in the United States are frozen. In addition, any form of financial or material support to such groups or individuals associated with them becomes illegal. American citizens are also prohibited from engaging with or providing assistance to them.

The BLA has previously claimed responsibility for major incidents, including attacks on Karachi International Airport and the Gwadar Port complex. In 2023, the group admitted its role in the Jaffar Express train attack, which killed 31 people and took more than 300 passengers hostage. These incidents were not only national tragedies for Pakistan but were also viewed globally as part of a new wave of terrorism.

Experts believe that the US decision to designate the BLA and Majeed Brigade as terrorist organizations will severely disrupt their international networks and bolster Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts through increased global support.