Washington, D.C. August 11, 2025(Ghufran): Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced today that the U.S. Department of State is designating the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its alias, the Majeed Brigade, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended. Additionally, the Majeed Brigade is being added as an alias to BLA’s existing designation as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) under Executive Order 13224, as amended. The BLA was first designated as an SDGT in 2019 following a series of violent attacks. Since that designation, the group has continued its campaign of terror, including attacks carried out under the name Majeed Brigade.
In 2024, the BLA claimed responsibility for suicide bombings near Karachi airport and the Gwadar Port Authority Complex. Most recently, in March 2025, the BLA claimed responsibility for the hijacking of the Jaffar Express train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, which resulted in the deaths of 31 civilians and security personnel, and the hostage-taking of more than 300 passengers. These designations demonstrate the Trump Administration’s unwavering commitment to combatting terrorism in all forms. Designating entities as Foreign Terrorist Organizations is a critical tool in disrupting terrorist networks and cutting off support for their operations.
The FTO designation becomes effective upon publication in the Federal Register.