Washington, Aug 11: The United States has officially designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its suicide wing, the Majeed Brigade, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs).

The announcement was made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, marking a significant escalation in international scrutiny of the Pakistan-based separatist group.

The BLA, which was previously listed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) entity in 2019, has long been accused of orchestrating deadly attacks targeting Pakistani security forces, infrastructure, and foreign nationals.

The Majeed Brigade, known for its high-risk suicide missions, has now been officially added as an alias under the BLA’s SDGT designation.

According to the US State Department, the BLA claimed responsibility for suicide bombings near Karachi Airport and the Gwadar Port Authority Complex in 2024, and the hijacking of the Jaffar Express train in March 2025, which resulted in 31 deaths and over 300 hostages. These attacks have drawn global condemnation and raised alarms over the group’s growing operational capabilities.

The BLA, active since the early 2000s, seeks independence for Balochistan, a resource-rich but politically volatile region in southwestern Pakistan. The group accuses the Pakistani government of exploiting Balochistan’s natural wealth while marginalizing its ethnic population.

This move by the US is expected to strain diplomatic ties and intensify counterterrorism efforts in South Asia, especially as the region grapples with rising insurgency and geopolitical tensions.

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