The U.S. has designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). The U.S. Department of State announced the designation, focusing on the BLA’s activities in Pakistan’s southern province. The BLA, also known as the Majeed Brigade, has been fighting for an independent Balochistan for many years. This new designation builds upon the previous listing of the BLA as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) in 2019.
The U.S. Department of State’s statement highlights the BLA’s involvement in a number of terrorist attacks. The BLA has taken responsibility for many attacks since 2019, including suicide attacks at the Karachi airport and the Gwadar Port Authority complex in 2024. In 2025, the BLA claimed responsibility for the hijacking of the Zafar Express train, which resulted in the deaths of 31 civilians and security personnel. Over 300 passengers were on the train at the time of the hijacking.
