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In 2025, the United States expanded its list of designated terrorist organizations. These include transnational criminal networks and militants. The 2025 US terrorist designations reflect a broader national security shift.
Designation of BLA as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by US
On Monday 11 August, US also included Pakistan-based Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). The US Department of State officially labelled the BLA as a “foreign terrorist organization.” This move follows its earlier listing as a “specially designated global terrorist” (SDGT) group in 2019.
The BLA, also known as the Majeed Brigade, has claimed responsibility for several deadly attacks in Pakistan. In March this year, the group admitted carrying out a train siege from Quetta to Peshawar, killing dozens of passengers and soldiers.
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According to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the decision shows Washington’s commitment to countering terrorism. He said such designations are vital to cutting off support for extremist groups. Unlike the previous SDGT status, the new designation makes it illegal for anyone in the US to provide any kind of assistance to the BLA, not just financial help.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by area, has long faced secessionist movements. Since the early 2000s, the BLA’s demands have shifted from control over natural resources to complete independence. The region is rich in minerals and home to the strategic Gwadar Port, part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Recent BLA attacks have worsened tensions between Pakistan and India, with Islamabad accusing New Delhi of backing the group, an allegation India denies. The designation also comes after the US labelled The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, as a terrorist group earlier this year.
List of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs)
According to the US department of state, this is the list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) designated by US in 2025:
- Tren de Aragua (TdA)
- Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), designate on August 11, 2025
- The Resistance Front (TRF)
- Latin American Cartels (Designated in February 2025)
- Sinaloa Cartel
- Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG)
- Cartel del Noreste (Los Zetas)
- Gulf Cartel
- La Nueva Familia Michoacana
- Carteles Unidos
- Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13)
