US designates Baloch separatists as a terror group over role in attacks in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD — The Balochistan Liberation Army, along with its fighting wing, the Majeed Brigade, has been designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the United States, the State Department announced. This decision has been met with approval by Pakistani officials.
The timing of this designation coincides with the visit of Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, to the U.S. The Balochistan Liberation Army and the Majeed Brigade have been held responsible for carrying out deadly attacks in the insurgency-hit province of Balochistan.
Furthermore, this move comes shortly after the recent trade agreement between Washington and Islamabad, which is expected to facilitate American firms in developing Pakistan’s abundant oil reserves in Balochistan and reducing trade tariffs for the country.
The State Department’s statement mentioned, “designating the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its alias, the Majeed Brigade, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), and adding the Majeed Brigade as an alias to BLA’s previous Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) designation.”
The BLA was originally designated as an SDGT in 2019 following a series of terrorist attacks. Subsequently, both the BLA and the Majeed Brigade have claimed responsibility for additional attacks.
In recent years, the BLA has been linked to various high-profile incidents, including suicide bombings in Karachi and Gwadar, as well as the hijacking of the Jaffar Express train, resulting in casualties and hostage situations.
The U.S. State Department emphasized that this action underscores the Trump administration’s commitment to combating terrorism.
While there has been no immediate reaction from Balochistan nationalists and separatist groups, it is important to note that Balochistan has a history of insurgency, with various groups, including the Baloch Liberation Army, engaging in violent activities. This region is also known for hosting militants associated with the Pakistani Taliban.
The separatists in Balochistan have been vocal in their opposition to the exploitation of resources by Pakistani and foreign companies, often targeting security forces and foreign nationals involved in projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
