ISLAMABAD: The United States on Monday officially designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its suicide wing, the Majeed Brigade, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO). Islamabad hailed the move as a significant step in supporting its counterterrorism initiatives.
The US State Department also listed the Majeed Brigade as an alias under BLA’s existing Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) designation, which was first imposed in 2019. The new designation, which is based on Section 219 of the US Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, will take effect upon publication in the Federal Register.
According to the State Department, the decision underscores the Trump administration’s dedication to combating terrorism and emphasized that such designations are crucial in restricting resources and support for terrorist operations.
The BLA had been blacklisted in 2019 following a series of deadly attacks in Pakistan. The group has continued its operations by targeting civilians and security forces, with the Majeed Brigade being responsible for several high-profile suicide missions. In 2024, the BLA claimed responsibility for attacks near Karachi airport and the Gwadar Port Authority Complex. Earlier this year, it took responsibility for the hijacking of the Jaffar Express, which resulted in 31 deaths and over 300 hostages.
The BLA has become notorious for its violent tactics, including suicide bombings, targeted killings, and attacks on infrastructure. The Majeed Brigade, named after a Baloch separatist who died in a 1970s attack, serves as the BLA’s elite suicide squad. The Brigade has been involved in numerous major terrorist attacks, often targeting Chinese nationals, CPEC projects, and state installations.
Islamabad has consistently accused the BLA of receiving external support to destabilize Pakistan, especially in Balochistan. The US action not only strengthens Pakistan’s position in international forums but also enables Washington to freeze the group’s assets, impose travel bans on its members, and prosecute anyone aiding the group.
The designation is viewed as a diplomatic win for Islamabad, which has long pushed for the blacklisting of the Majeed Brigade. While the Biden administration had previously resisted this move, the Trump administration’s decision to blacklist the BLA and Majeed Brigade marks a step forward in US-Pakistan counterterrorism cooperation.
Officials in Islamabad believe the move will help tighten the global financial and logistical pressure on the BLA, assisting Pakistan in countering the group’s activities in Balochistan, a region rich in resources. Pakistan has also expressed interest in attracting US investment in Balochistan’s mining and mineral sectors, which it views as crucial for the region’s development.
This development is expected to send a strong message to the BLA, its affiliates, and their external supporters, reinforcing efforts to neutralize the group’s threat in the region.
