US Designates Balochistan Liberation Army as Terrorist Organization

The U.S. State Department has officially classified the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), along with its military faction known as the Majeed Brigade, as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO).

“Today, the State Department has designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its alias, the Majeed Brigade, as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO),” the announcement stated, referring to the Majeed Brigade’s established status as a specially designated global terrorist (SDGT) group.

This announcement was made public during a press briefing on Monday by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The BLA was previously recognized as an SDGT back in 2019 following a series of terrorist incidents. Rubio highlighted these events in a subsequent release.

“In 2024, the BLA claimed responsibility for suicide attacks near airports in Karachi and Gwadar. By 2025, they were implicated in the hijacking of the Jafar Express train, which was traveling from Ketta to Peshawar,” he explained.

Currently, the Majeed Brigade continues to hold its SDGT designation.

“Today’s actions by the State Department reflect the administration’s dedication to combating terrorism,” Rubio added. “Such designations are vital in the fight against terrorism and can effectively weaken support for such activities.”

Balochistan’s Prime Minister, Sarfraz Bugti, expressed his approval of this new designation via a post on X. He stated, “We welcome the US decision to designate BLA and its alias Majeed Brigade as a terrorist organization. The federal government, along with Asim Munier, has worked diligently to present Pakistan’s case to the US administration. These groups have long concealed their violent acts behind a façade of ethnicity and rights.”

Across the ocean in Tampa, Florida, Asim Munier issued a pointed warning to India during his visit, suggesting potential catastrophic repercussions if India escalates tensions.

“We are a nuclear state. If we feel threatened, we will take down half the world with us,” Munier warned.

Munier also threatened to destroy a dam India has built on the river, arguing that these constructions pose a threat to Pakistan’s water resources.

According to reports from Pakistan, Munier alleged that India continues to instigate instability in the region, emphasizing, “Pakistan has clearly stated that any invasion from India will be met with appropriate responses.”

India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to Munier’s threats by stating, “Such comments should not come from the territory of a friendly third country. India will not yield to nuclear intimidation and will take all necessary steps to safeguard our national security.”

Indeed, Indian Congressman Sukhdeo Bhagat remarked that “thunder does not always lead to rain,” reinforcing that India understands its capabilities and will respond accordingly. He questioned the credibility of the statements amid ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Notably, President Donald Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between the two nations back in May during the Kashmir conflict.