Designation of The Resistance Front as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation
The U.S. has officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), as a foreign terrorist organization.
Background of the Designation
- The designation was announced by the U.S. Secretary of State on July 17, 2025.
- It follows the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, where 26 people were killed.
- The TRF initially claimed responsibility for the attack but later retracted its claim amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan.
U.S. Response and Actions
- The designation aligns with the USA's call for justice regarding the Pahalgam attack.
- The Department of State has designated the TRF as both a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).
- This action is pursuant to Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224.
- LeT’s designation as an FTO and SDGT has been reviewed and maintained.
Implications and Broader Context
- The U.S. action reflects a commitment to national security interests and countering terrorism.
- The Pahalgam attack is noted as the deadliest on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks by LeT.
- The TRF has claimed responsibility for several attacks against Indian security forces, with the most recent in 2024.
