U.S. Designates The Majeed Brigade of Balochistan Liberation Army as Foreign Terrorist Organization – Alfaaz – The Words

Washington: The United States has formally designated The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and its alias The Majeed Brigade, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), the Department of State announced on Monday. The move also adds the group to BLA’s previous Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) designation made in 2019.

According to the statement issued by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the BLA has been linked to multiple deadly attacks since its initial designation, including operations carried out by the Majeed Brigade. In 2024, the BLA claimed responsibility for suicide bombings near Karachi airport and at the Gwadar Port Authority Complex.

In March 2025, the group claimed responsibility for hijacking the Jaffar Express train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, killing 31 civilians and security personnel and taking more than 300 passengers hostage.

The Department of State underscored that the designation reflects the Trump Administration’s continued commitment to countering terrorism, noting that such measures are critical to disrupting support networks for violent groups.

The action was taken under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, as amended. The designation takes immediate effect upon publication in the Federal Register.