Washington, August 12, 2025 – The Europe Today: The United States has designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its alias, the Majeed Brigade, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), the U.S. Department of State announced on Monday.
In a statement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Majeed Brigade had also been added as an alias to the BLA’s existing designation as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) entity, a status first conferred in 2019. He noted that since its initial designation, the BLA has claimed responsibility for several attacks, including those carried out by the Majeed Brigade.
Secretary Rubio cited the group’s recent activities, including 2024 suicide attacks near Karachi Airport and the Gwadar Port Authority Complex, as well as the March 2025 hijacking of the Jaffar Express train from Quetta to Peshawar, which killed 31 civilians and security personnel and saw over 300 passengers taken hostage.
The top U.S. diplomat said the designations underscore the Trump Administration’s commitment to countering terrorism, noting that such measures are vital for curtailing support for terrorist activities. The action was taken under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, as amended, and will take effect upon publication in the Federal Register.
Pakistan has long accused the BLA of receiving external support, particularly from India, and of orchestrating numerous attacks resulting in significant human and infrastructural losses.
