The U.S. Department of State on Monday officially designated the Pakistan-based Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its alias, The Majeed Brigade, as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO).
The BLA was initially designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) group in 2019 following a series of terrorist attacks. Since that time, the group, including its Majeed Brigade faction, has claimed responsibility for multiple violent incidents, according to a statement from the U.S. State Department.
The U.S. State Department’s announcement outlined that BLA and its alias, The Majeed Brigade, are now formally recognised as an FTO, with The Majeed Brigade being added as an alias to BLA’s existing SDGT status.
Counter-Terrorism Commitment
The move is described as reflecting the Trump administration’s ongoing commitment to combating terrorism.
“Today’s action taken by the Department of State demonstrates the Trump Administration’s commitment to countering terrorism. Terrorist designations play a critical role in our fight against this scourge and are an effective way to curtail support for terrorist activities,” the statement read.
The department further noted that in 2024, the BLA claimed responsibility for suicide bombings near Karachi Airport and the Gwadar Port Authority Complex.
In 2025, the group also took responsibility for the hijacking of the Jaffar Express train travelling from Quetta to Peshawar in March. This attack resulted in the deaths of 31 civilians and security personnel, with over 300 passengers held hostage.
Baloch Liberation Army
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) is a militant separatist group operating primarily in Pakistan’s Balochistan province.
Founded with the aim of securing independence for Balochistan, the group has been involved in a long-running insurgency against the Pakistani state, accusing it of economic exploitation and political marginalisation of the Baloch people.
The BLA has carried out numerous attacks targeting Pakistani security forces, infrastructure, and government installations, often using guerrilla tactics and suicide bombings.
The Majeed Brigade
The Majeed Brigade is an alias or faction associated with the BLA, responsible for several high-profile attacks.
The U.S. government formally added The Majeed Brigade as an alias under the BLA’s designation in 2025, recognising its involvement in terror activities.
Notably, the group claimed responsibility for the 2024 suicide attacks near Karachi airport and the Gwadar Port Authority Complex, as well as the 2025 hijacking of the Jaffar Express train, which led to numerous civilian and security personnel casualties.
(With inputs from IBNS)
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