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U.S. Designates Balochistan Liberation Army as Terror Group
The United States State Department has formally designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its armed wing, the Majeed Brigade, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). This move underscores a deepening U.S. commitment to counter-terrorism, particularly as Pakistan boosts its cooperation with American security efforts.
Details of the Designation
The BLA, a Baloch separatist militant group active since 2000, operates across Pakistan’s Balochistan region and has been responsible for numerous high-profile attacks. Its Majeed Brigade, formed in 2010, is known for executing suicide bombings and insurgent operations targeting both security forces and civilians. This designation, under U.S. counterterrorism law, brings financial sanctions and heightened scrutiny on associated individuals and entities.
Strategic Implications
By labeling the BLA and Majeed Brigade as FTOs, Washington signals stronger alignment with Islamabad’s fight against insurgency. The move comes at a sensitive diplomatic moment, following a recent visit by Pakistan’s Army Chief to the U.S.—highlighting an intent to forge deeper security and intelligence synergy.
Understanding the Threat
The BLA has been blamed for several deadly attacks, including assaults on public infrastructure, Chinese nationals, security forces, and civilians. The group’s tactics have evolved, with increased use of suicide bombers and targeting of “soft targets.” The formal FTO status allows the U.S. government to freeze assets, impose travel bans, and penalize supporters—adding legal and operational constraints to curb these groups’ reach.
