The United States State Department has officially designated the Majeed Brigade—a militant wing and alias of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA)—as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), solidifying international counterterrorism efforts
The U.S. State Department has formally identified the Majeed Brigade, linked to the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), further reinforcing its status as an alias of the BLA. This updated designation expands upon the group’s previously recognized status as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) entity since 2019.SAMAA TVUni IndiaDaily Times
In issuing this designation, the U.S. highlighted the Majeed Brigade’s involvement in multiple violent acts, including suicide attacks near Karachi airport and Gwadar Port in 2024, as well as the hijacking of the Jaffar Express in March 2025, which resulted in 31 fatalities and over 300 hostages.Uni IndiaDunya NewsDaily Times
The State Department emphasized how the FTO label is critical for disrupting the group’s access to global funding and logistical support. It also now prohibits U.S. citizens from providing any assistance to the group and allows for freezing any of its assets within U.S. jurisdiction.Daily TimesDunya News
The move aligns with Pakistan’s recent diplomatic push for the Majeed Brigade to be internationally acknowledged as an alias of the BLA, aiming to ensure it is universally recognized in extremist listings.arynews.tvthenews.com.pk
