• The US has officially designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Majeed Brigade as terrorist organizations.
• This designation follows a series of deadly attacks attributed to these groups, including a recent train hijacking.
• The designation reflects the Trump administration's commitment to counter-terrorism efforts.

The US State Department has designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its armed wing, the Majeed Brigade, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). This decision was announced on Monday and follows a history of violent activities attributed to these groups, including multiple deadly attacks in recent years, particularly in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, according to Dawn, India Times, and Anadolu Agency.

The BLA was first labeled as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) organization in 2019 after a series of violent incidents, including claims of responsibility for suicide bombings near Karachi airport and attacks at the Gwadar Port Authority Complex in 2024. The latest high-profile attack involved the March 2025 hijacking of the Jaffar Express train, which resulted in the deaths of 31 individuals and hostage-taking of over 300 passengers, according to TRT Global and Al Jazeera.

The US Secretary of State emphasized that these terrorism designations play a crucial role in the counter-terrorism strategy, stating, “Today’s actions are taken pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended, and Executive Order 13224, as amended.” The designation also imposes financial sanctions, which restricts access to the US financial system for the BLA and its affiliates, according to Dawn and India Times.

This step also reflects a shift towards improved relations between the US and Pakistan, especially following recent visits from Pakistani military officials. Despite Islamabad accusing India of supporting the BLA, New Delhi firmly denies these allegations, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region exacerbated by these designations, according to Anadolu Agency and Al Jazeera.