US Officially Labels Balochistan Liberation Army and Majeed Brigade as Foreign Terrorist Organizations

The United States has officially classified the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its affiliate, the Majeed Brigade, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), as revealed by the State Department. This decision extends the BLA's previous designation as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) entity, which was initially made in 2019, to include the Majeed Brigade.

The designation falls under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224. It aims to sever financial and logistical support to the group and will be enacted following its publication in the Federal Register. The State Department emphasized that this decision highlights the US government's ongoing dedication to countering terrorism.

The BLA, which is active in the Balochistan province of Pakistan, has been responsible for several attacks over recent years. Notable incidents include suicide bombings at Karachi airport and the Gwadar Port Authority Complex in 2024. In March 2025, the group claimed responsibility for hijacking the Jaffar Express, a train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, resulting in the deaths of 31 civilians and security personnel and the hostage-taking of over 300 passengers.

The Majeed Brigade, identified as the BLA’s suicide attack unit, has been linked to many of these violent acts. US officials have highlighted that designating groups as terrorist organizations is an essential strategy in dismantling their networks, cutting off their funding, and discouraging potential supporters.

This announcement occurs amid increased global focus on militant activities in South Asia and the US's continued counterterrorism strategies targeting groups accused of orchestrating cross-border attacks.