U.S. designates Balochistan Liberation Army and Majeed Brigade as foreign terrorist organizations, a move aimed at disrupting their activities and funding.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a militant group seeking independence for Pakistan's resource-rich Balochistan province, has been designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) by the United States Department of State. This action, a part of the Trump Administration's continuing efforts to counter international terrorism, was taken under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
The BLA's history is rooted in Baloch nationalism and insurgency, but its actions have increasingly marked it as a terrorist organization. The group, which evolved from a loosely organized movement into a more structured militant outfit, established its armed wing, the Majeed Brigade, in 2010. The Majeed Brigade, named after a notable Baloch nationalist, has carried out sophisticated attacks, including suicide bombings and assassinations, targeting Pakistani military, government personnel, infrastructure, and Chinese nationals involved in projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
The BLA's terror activities have resulted in significant incidents in Pakistan, such as the 2024 suicide bombings near Karachi airport and Gwadar port, and the 2025 hijacking of the Jaffar Express train. This train hijacking led to the death of 31 security officials and civilians, and the taking of more than 300 hostages. The BLA also claimed responsibility for the attack on the Gwadar Port Authority Complex in an undisclosed year.
The FTO designation serves a significant function in deterring aid for terrorist operations. By designating the BLA and its aliases, including the Majeed Brigade, as FTOs, the United States aims to impact the ability of the group to receive financial support or assistance. This designation follows similar listings by the United Kingdom, China, Iran, and the European Union.
The original Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) designation for the BLA was issued in 2019, and the Majeed Brigade was included as an alias in this designation. The FTO designation for the BLA and its aliases becomes effective upon publication in the Federal Register.
This action by the United States Department of State reaffirms its determination to counteract terrorism, and it is a step towards ensuring a safer world for all.
[1] "Balochistan Liberation Army." GlobalSecurity.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2025. [2] "BLA Designated as Foreign Terrorist Organization." Dawn, 15 Aug. 2025. Web. 15 Mar. 2025. [3] "BLA Listed as Terrorist Organisation by the UK." Express Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025. Web. 15 Mar. 2025. [4] "BLA Designated as Terrorist Organization by EU." Geo News, 15 Aug. 2025. Web. 15 Mar. 2025. [5] "US Designates Balochistan Liberation Army as Foreign Terrorist Organization." The Nation, 15 Aug. 2025. Web. 15 Mar. 2025.
- The designation of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) by the United States Department of State highlights the ongoing politics and war-and-conflicts in the Balochistan province, a significant news topic for both regional and global audiences.
- With its involvement in crime-and-justice activities such as targeting Pakistani military, government personnel, and foreign nationals, the BLA's actions in Balochistan have drawn attention from the international community, including entities like the UK, China, Iran, and the European Union, which have also designated it as a terrorist organization.
