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US Designates TRF as Foreign Terrorist Organisation Over Pahalgam Attack
The US has designated The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). This move, which follows the deadly Pahalgam terror attack of April 2025, strengthens India-US counter-terrorism cooperation.
In a significant development, the US State Department has officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). The announcement came on Friday, with the US government highlighting TRF’s involvement in the deadly Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians on April 22, 2025. This attack, one of the deadliest against civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, was claimed by TRF, a front group for the Pakistan-based terror organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
A Strong Statement Against Terrorism
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar welcomed the decision, describing it as a "strong affirmation of India-US counter-terrorism cooperation." He praised US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the State Department for taking decisive action against TRF. Jaishankar also reiterated India's zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism and underlined the importance of global cooperation to dismantle terror networks.
The US designation means that any financial, advisory, or logistical support to TRF is now considered a crime under US law. This action follows a sustained effort by India to push for international recognition of TRF’s terrorist activities, particularly in the United Nations Security Council, where Pakistan has often blocked such initiatives.
The Pahalgam Attack: A Turning Point
The Pahalgam attack was a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle against terrorism in India. TRF’s claim of responsibility for the attack underlined its dangerous intent and operational capabilities. In response, the US government stressed its commitment to countering terrorism and ensuring justice for the victims. The designation also includes a continuation of the FTO listing for LeT, further isolating the terror group from global financial and diplomatic avenues.
India’s Response
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) praised the US for its timely action, emphasizing that TRF has been responsible for numerous attacks targeting both civilians and Indian security forces. India’s persistent efforts to have TRF recognised internationally, despite Pakistani resistance, reflect its ongoing commitment to eradicating terrorism in all its forms.
The Global Fight Against Terrorism
In its statement, the US State Department highlighted that such FTO designations play a crucial role in curbing support for terrorist activities. By targeting groups like TRF, the US aims to pressure these organisations to disband and abandon terrorism as a means of political expression.
This designation is another step in the strengthening of Indo-US counter-terrorism cooperation, a relationship that continues to grow in importance given the shared threat posed by global terrorism.(Source-The Indian Express)
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