Washington: The United States has officially designated the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and its affiliated Majeed Brigade as foreign terrorist organisations, the State Department announced in a statement released on Monday.
The designation aims to curb the groups’ ability to operate internationally, restrict their financial networks, and deter recruitment efforts. As a result of the designation, all property and interests of these groups that fall under U.S. jurisdiction are now blocked, and U.S. citizens are prohibited from engaging in any transactions with them.
According to the U.S. Secretary of State, the decision was made following a thorough assessment of the BLA and its violent history, particularly its involvement in major terrorist attacks in Pakistan.
In the official statement, the Secretary of State highlighted that the BLA claimed responsibility for several high-profile attacks, including:
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The 2014 attack on Karachi Airport, a deadly assault that left dozens dead and injured and significantly disrupted operations at Pakistan’s busiest airport.
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The 2018 attack on the Chinese Consulate in Karachi, carried out by the Majeed Brigade, resulted in several fatalities and was widely condemned as an attempt to sabotage Pakistan-China relations.
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The 2019 attack on the Gwadar Port Complex, a critical part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), in which the Majeed Brigade targeted Chinese interests.
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The 2014 attack on the Jaffar Express train, during which 31 people were martyred and over 300 passengers were taken hostage, was one of the most horrifying incidents attributed to the group.
The U.S. also acknowledged the growing threat posed by the Majeed Brigade, which operates as the suicide attack unit of the BLA and has been involved in targeted assaults on security forces and foreign interests in Pakistan, particularly Chinese nationals and infrastructure projects linked to CPEC.
The statement noted that such actions not only endanger regional stability but also pose a threat to U.S. interests and global security.
The designations are part of Washington’s broader counterterrorism strategy and send a clear message that the United States will not tolerate violent extremist organisations, regardless of their geographic focus.
The Pakistani government has welcomed the decision, considering it a major step in recognising the sacrifices Pakistan has made in the global fight against terrorism. Officials hope that this move will strengthen international cooperation in dismantling the financial and operational networks of such militant outfits.
