WASHINTON 12 Aug 2025: The United State’s Department of State has designated The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and its alias, The Majeed Brigade, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), and added the Majeed Brigade as an alias to BLA’s previous Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) designation.
In its reaction, Pakistan welcomed US designation of Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Majeed Brigade as organisations. In a statement, the Foreign Office said Pakistan had proscribed Majeed Brigade as a terrorist entity since 18 July 2024. 'BLA/Majeed Brigade is involved in multiple terrorist attacks in Pakistan, including the heinous Jaffer Express terrorist incident and Khuzdar bus attack that resulted in the loss of precious lives.'
It added that Pakistan remains a steadfast bulwark against terrorism. "Our sacrifices have secured critical counter-terrorism successes, not only for the country, but for regional stability and global security.
"Pakistan remains unwavering in its resolve to protect its citizens and eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We remain committed to cooperating with the international community to overcome this common challenge."
BLA was designated as an SDGT in 2019 following several terrorist attacks. Since 2019, BLA has claimed responsibility for additional attacks, including by the Majeed Brigade. In 2024, BLA claimed it had committed suicide attacks near the airport in Karachi and the Gwadar Port Authority Complex. In 2025, BLA claimed responsibility for the March hijacking of the Jaffar Express train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, killing 31 civilians and security personnel and holding hostage over 300 train passengers.
A statement issued by the office of the spokesperson said this action demonstrates the Trump Administration’s commitment to countering terrorism. ”Terrorist designations play a critical role in our fight against this scourge and are an effective way to curtail support for terrorist activities.
"The latest actions are taken pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended, and Executive Order 13224, as amended. FTO designations go into effect upon publication in the Federal Register.
Background
The Majeed Brigade is the unconventional operations wing of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a global terrorist organization. It is responsible for carrying out unconventional terror attacks against Pakistani security forces and civilians. The group was established in 2010 and named after Baloch militants Majeed Langove Senior and Junior. Since 2018, it has committed numerous suicide attacks, including notable attacks like the Pakistan Stock Exchange attack in 2020, suicide bombings near Karachi airport and Gwadar Port in 2024, and several others against security forces and civilians.
The Majeed Brigade acts as the armed militant faction of the BLA, engaging in violent insurgency and terrorist operations primarily in Balochistan and other parts of Pakistan.
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