March 12, 2026 8:24:42 PM
On August 11, 2025, the U.S. Department of State officially designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its specialized wing, the Majeed Brigade, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). This action, taken under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, severely restricts their access to U.S. financial resources and criminalizes support for them.
Key Details of the Designation:
- Effective Date: The designations were announced on August 11, 2025, following a rise in attacks, including suicide bombings and the March 2025 hijacking of the Jaffer Express.
- Targeted Entities: The BLA was already classified as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) entity in 2019; the 2025 move updated this to FTO status and officially added the Majeed Brigade as an alias.
- Rationale: The U.S. cited the group's responsibility for premeditated, politically motivated violence against noncombatants and security forces in Pakistan.
- Reaction: Pakistan welcomed this decision as a significant step in countering terrorism.
- Impact: The designation strengthens international efforts to cut off funding, arms, and support to the group.
The Majeed Brigade is responsible for high-profile attacks, including those targeting foreign nationals and infrastructure in Balochistan.
Courtesy by: Al Jazeera, U.S. Department of State
