US Designates Balochistan Liberation Army as a Foreign Terrorist Organization
The United States has formally designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its armed wing, the Majeed Brigade, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). This decision, announced by the U.S. State Department, is a significant escalation from its previous designation of the group and underscores the administration's commitment to countering terrorism. The move follows a series of deadly attacks for which the BLA has claimed responsibility.
Here is more information on the BLA and the implications of this new designation:
About the Balochistan Liberation Army: The BLA is a Baloch ethno-nationalist militant group operating in Pakistan's Balochistan province. Its primary objective is the secession of Balochistan from Pakistan to establish an independent state. The group, which has been active since at least 2000, frequently targets Pakistani security forces, government infrastructure, and civilians, including foreign nationals. Its armed wing, the Majeed Brigade, is specifically known for high-profile attacks, including suicide bombings. The BLA has also been designated as a terrorist organization by countries including Pakistan, the United Kingdom, China, and Iran.
Previous U.S. Actions and Recent Attacks: The BLA was first designated as a "Specially Designated Global Terrorist" (SDGT) by the U.S. in 2019. Since then, the group has continued to claim responsibility for numerous attacks. For example, in 2024, the BLA claimed to have carried out suicide attacks near the airport in Karachi and at the Gwadar Port Authority Complex. More recently, in March 2025, the BLA claimed responsibility for the hijacking of the Jaffar Express train, which resulted in the deaths of 31 civilians and security personnel and the hostage-taking of over 300 passengers.
Implications of the FTO Designation: The new FTO designation has several significant consequences:
Criminalizes Support: It is now a crime under U.S. law for anyone to knowingly provide "material support or resources" to the BLA.
Asset Freezing: The U.S. government can freeze the assets of the BLA and its associated individuals.
Immigration Restrictions: Members and associates of the BLA are prohibited from entering the United States.
Political Context: This FTO designation is viewed as a major step that brings U.S. policy more in line with Pakistan's security concerns regarding Baloch insurgents. It comes at a time when the U.S. is seeking to deepen its counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan.
