Why Did the US Designate the Balochistan Liberation Army and Majeed Brigade as Terrorist Organizations?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The US has designated the Balochistan Liberation Army and Majeed Brigade as terrorist organizations. This significant move underscores the US's commitment to combating terrorism globally and highlights ongoing human rights issues in Balochistan. Discover the implications of this designation and its impact on the region.
Key Takeaways
- BLA and TMB designated as FTOs
- Impact on US-Pakistan relations
- Human rights issues in Balochistan
- Significance of terrorist designations
- Continued struggle of the Baloch people
New York, Aug 12 (NationPress) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has officially classified the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its affiliated group, The Majeed Brigade (TMB), as foreign terrorist organizations (FTO).
In a statement released on Monday, he noted that the TMB would also be recognized as an alias for BLA’s prior designation as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) entity.
“Today’s measures taken by the Department of State underline the Trump Administration’s determination to combat terrorism,” Rubio remarked.
He emphasized that terrorist designations are vital in the global fight against this menace and serve as an effective mechanism to reduce support for terrorist operations.
The BLA, which was previously labeled as an SDGT in 2019, has since been accountable for various terrorist acts, including those attributed to the TMB.
He recalled the hijacking incident in March involving the Jaffar Express train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, which resulted in the deaths of 31 civilians and security personnel, while over 300 passengers were taken hostage.
This announcement coincided with the visit of Pakistan's military chief, Asim Munir, to the US.
Munir's trip was primarily to participate in a farewell event for US General Michael Kurilla, who was departing from his role as commander of the Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees operations in Pakistan, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
According to the Pentagon, a farewell event took place in Tampa, Florida, on Friday to honor Kurilla and welcome his successor, Admiral Brad Cooper.
Public schedules from the Departments of Defense and State, along with the White House, did not indicate any meetings for him with officials in Washington from Friday through Thursday.
The FTO designation prohibits any material or financial backing for these organizations, freezes their assets, and imposes travel restrictions on their members.
The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) enforces the SDGT designation, blocking the group's assets within the US and forbidding transactions with them.
The Baloch community is advocating for fundamental human rights in Pakistan, fighting against enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and systematic oppression.
Numerous Baloch leaders are currently incarcerated without any substantiated charges or fair trials, often denied bail and subjected to arbitrary preventive detention laws, as reported by local media.
In multiple cases involving Baloch leaders, courts have consistently denied bail, while families and legal representatives are frequently obstructed from accessing detainees despite court orders.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the complexity of the situation surrounding the Balochistan Liberation Army and Majeed Brigade. While the US designation signals a strong stance against terrorism, it is equally important to consider the broader context of human rights and the ongoing struggles faced by the Baloch people in Pakistan. There is an urgent need for a balanced approach that addresses both security concerns and humanitarian issues.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the implications of the US designation of BLA and TMB?
The designation bans financial support to these groups, freezes their assets, and restricts travel for their members, significantly impacting their operations.
Why is the Balochistan Liberation Army considered a terrorist organization?
The BLA has been linked to numerous violent incidents, including attacks on civilians and security forces, justifying its designation as a terrorist organization.
How does this designation affect the Baloch people?
While aimed at combating terrorism, the designation may also exacerbate existing tensions and human rights issues faced by the Baloch community in Pakistan.
What is the role of the US in Pakistan's security situation?
The US plays a significant role in shaping Pakistan's security policies and addressing terrorism, as evidenced by this recent designation.
What are the broader implications for US-Pakistan relations?
This designation could strain US-Pakistan relations, especially if perceived as interference in Pakistan's internal affairs.
