The United States has declared the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), active in the southern province of Pakistan, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). The U.S. Department of State issued this announcement, identifying the BLA, also known as the Majeed Brigade, which has been fighting for an independent Balochistan for several decades. The designation follows a previous listing of the BLA as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) in 2019.
The U.S. Department of State’s letter highlights the BLA’s involvement in numerous terrorist incidents. Since 2019, the group has claimed responsibility for several attacks. In 2024, the BLA claimed responsibility for suicide attacks near the Karachi airport and the Gwadar Port Authority complex. Furthermore, in 2025, the BLA claimed responsibility for the hijacking of the Zafar Express train en route from Quetta to Peshawar in March, resulting in the deaths of 31 civilians and security personnel. Over 300 passengers were on board the train and were held hostage.
