The United States has officially designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its alias, the Majeed Brigade, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO). This designation expands upon the previous classification of BLA as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) in 2019. The Majeed Brigade, a suicide attack unit under the BLA, has now been explicitly named in this updated designation.

According to the US Department of State, this move underscores the Trump administration’s continued commitment to fighting 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 statement noted. These actions are carried out under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended, and Executive Order 13224.

The BLA has a documented history of carrying out violent attacks. In 2024, it claimed responsibility for suicide bombings near Karachi Airport and the Gwadar Port Authority Complex. In a more devastating attack in March 2025, the group hijacked the Jaffar Express train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, killing 31 civilians and security personnel and taking over 300 passengers hostage.

By designating BLA and its alias as FTOs, the US aims to restrict their access to international funding, limit their operational capacity, and deter any support from external entities. The designation will become effective upon publication in the Federal Register.