The United States Department of State has officially designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its alias, the Majeed Brigade, as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO), adding the alias to BLA’s earlier classification as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) group.
The State Department said the move underscores the Trump administration’s commitment to combating terrorism. The BLA was first designated as an SDGT in 2019 following a series of violent attacks. Since then, the group, including its Majeed Brigade wing, has claimed responsibility for multiple high-profile assaults.
In 2024, the BLA claimed suicide bombings near Karachi Airport and the Gwadar Port Authority Complex. In March 2025, it admitted to hijacking the Jaffar Express train from Quetta to Peshawar, an attack that left 31 civilians and security personnel dead and over 300 passengers held hostage.
“Today’s action… demonstrates the Trump Administration’s commitment to countering terrorism,” the State Department said in a statement, noting that such designations help cut off financial and material support for extremist activities.
The designation was made under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, as amended. It will take effect upon publication in the Federal Register.
