Islamabad: The United States has officially designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its subgroup, the Majeed Brigade, as foreign terrorist organizations. The Majeed Brigade has also been added as an alias to the BLA’s existing Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) listing. This move intensifies pressure on the separatist group, which has been linked to a string of violent incidents in recent years.

The BLA was initially classified as an SDGT in 2019 following multiple terrorist acts. Since then, the group, including the Majeed Brigade, has continued to claim responsibility for further attacks. Notable incidents include suicide bombings near Karachi’s airport and the Gwadar Port Authority Complex in 2024. In a particularly egregious act in March 2025, the BLA claimed responsibility for hijacking the Jaffar Express train, resulting in the deaths of 31 individuals, both civilians and security personnel, and holding over 300 passengers hostage.

The Trump administration asserts this action underscores its dedication to combating terrorism globally. The government believes that these designations are a crucial tool in disrupting terrorist operations and limiting their access to resources.

These measures are enacted under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224. The designations become formally effective upon publication in the Federal Register.