United States classifies Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Majeed Brigade as foreign terrorist organizations, commended by Pakistan
Pakistan and US Designate Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Majeed Brigade as Terrorist Organizations
Pakistan's Chief Minister of Balochistan, Sarfraz Bugti, has welcomed the US State Department's decision to declare the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and its alias, the Majeed Brigade, as terrorist outfits. This designation comes after years of the Majeed Brigade's involvement in multiple terrorist attacks across Pakistan.
The Majeed Brigade, a special forces unit of the BLA, was established in 2010 and named after Baloch separatist leaders Majeed Langove Senior and Junior. It operates as the BLA's dedicated suicide attack unit, responsible for high-profile and unconventional militant operations primarily targeting Pakistani security forces, government infrastructure, civilians, and Chinese interests linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The Majeed Brigade has been linked to several terrorist incidents, including the Jaffer Express terrorist incident and the Khuzdar bus attack. In July 2024, Pakistan officially designated the Majeed Brigade as a terrorist entity, citing its involvement in multiple terrorist attacks. The United States followed suit in August 2025, designating both the BLA and its armed wing, the Majeed Brigade, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT).
The designations were made under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, as amended. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the designation of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Majeed Brigade as Foreign Terrorist Organizations underscores the Trump administration's resolve to combat terrorism.
Bugti credited the federal government and Field Marshal Asim Munir for presenting Pakistan's case to the US administration. He concluded that terrorism is terrorism; no cause justifies killing civilians, and the world must unite to end this menace. Pakistan remains unwavering in its resolve to protect its citizens and eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The country is committed to cooperating with the international community to overcome terrorism.
The designations aim to curtail the group's funding and operational capacity while highlighting alleged foreign support for the group meant to destabilize Pakistan and obstruct CPEC. Pakistan's sacrifices have secured critical counter-terrorism successes for the country, regional stability, and global security. As a steadfast bulwark against terrorism, Pakistan continues to stand firm in its fight against these deadly organisations.
References:
- Balochistan Liberation Army
- Majeed Brigade
- Pakistan designates Majeed Brigade as terrorist entity
- US designates Balochistan Liberation Army as foreign terrorist organization
- Balochistan Liberation Army and Majeed Brigade designated as foreign terrorist organizations by US
In light of the US State Department's classification of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Majeed Brigade as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT), the rise in attention towards war-and-conflicts, politics, general-news, and crime-and-justice regarding these organizations intensifies. The Majeed Brigade's involvement in multiple terrorist attacks within Pakistan has led to their designation as a terrorist entity by the US government in August 2025.
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