Islamabad:
The United States on Monday formally appointed Balochistan Liberation Army (Bla) and its suicide unit, Majeed Brigade, as foreign terrorist organizations (FTO), in one step hailed in Islamabad as a major boost for Pakistan’s control efforts.
The US Department of State said it has also added Majeed Brigade as an alias to Bla’s existing specially designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) list, first introduced in 2019. The latest term that comes under section 219 of the US Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224 will take effect on publication in the federal registry.
“Today’s action demonstrates Trump administration’s obligation to counteract terrorism,” the state of state said, adding that such terms “play a critical role” in limiting support and resources for terrorist activity.
Bla was blacklisted in 2019 after a series of deadly attacks in Pakistan. Since then, the group has continued to target civil and security forces, often using the majed brigade to perform high-profile suicide tasks.
In 2024, among others, the responsibility for suicide attacks near Karachi Airport and Gwadar Port Authority complex assumed. This year, it claimed hijacking by Jaffar Express, who traveled from Quetta to Peshawar in March, who killed 31 people, including security staff, and then over 300 passengers held hostage.
Bla emerged as one of the most violent terrorist clothing operating in Balochistan. Its tactics, including suicide bombs, targeted killings and attacks on infrastructure, have achieved international notoriousness.
Majeed -Brigade, named after a Baloch paratist who died in a 1970s attack, acts as Blas Elite Suicide Squad. Over the past decade, it has been behind some of the most brave terrorist operations in Pakistan, often aimed at Chinese citizens, CPEC projects and state installations.
Islamabad has long accused, among other things, of receiving support from external actors for destabilizing Pakistan, especially Balochistan. The United States not only strengthens Pakistan’s attitude towards international forums, but also allows Washington to freeze the group’s assets, impose a travel ban on a travel ban and prosecute anyone who provides material support.
Employees in Islamabad see the term as a diplomatic victory that can help tighten the global economic and logistical noise around the clothing.
Pakistan had long sought the blacklist of Majeed Brigade of the United States, but Biden -the administration did not respond positively to Islamabad’s request.
However, the Trump administration’s decision to appoint, among other things, and Majeed Brigade as FTO highlighted the collaboration on close security and terrorism between Pakistan and the United States.
The move will help Pakistan’s efforts to neutralize the threat in the resourceful Balochistan.
Pakistan is eager for the United States to invest in mines and minerals available in abundance in Balochistan.
Officials believe that the US relocation will send a clear message to, among other things, its affiliated companies and also their external backers.
