The US Department of State has officially designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its alias, the Majeed Brigade, as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO).

The move also adds the Majeed Brigade as an alias under BLA’s existing Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) status, which was first imposed in 2019, said a press release.

The BLA has been linked to a series of deadly attacks in Pakistan over recent years.

Since its 2019 SDGT designation, the group has claimed responsibility for multiple violent incidents, including operations carried out by the Majeed Brigade.

In 2024, the group claimed suicide bombings near Karachi airport and the Gwadar Port Authority Complex.

Earlier this year, in March 2025, it claimed responsibility for hijacking the Jaffar Express train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, killing 31 civilians and security personnel, and holding more than 300 passengers hostage, the release said.

The State Department said the decision underscores the Trump administration’s commitment to combating terrorism.

Officials noted that designations such as this are key tools for cutting off financial and logistical support to extremist groups.

The new FTO status was issued under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, both as amended.

The designation will take effect following its publication in the Federal Register.