U.S. Designates The Resistance Front as a Foreign Terrorist Group
The United States has taken a significant step by officially designating The Resistance Front (TRF) as a foreign terrorist group. TRF is closely associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a well-known terror organization based in Pakistan. This decision follows the group’s involvement in the deadly attack in Pahalgam, which led to widespread condemnation and international scrutiny.
In a statement released on Thursday, the U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, emphasized that this action reflects America’s unwavering commitment to justice. The move aligns with President Donald Trump’s promise to hold those responsible for the Pahalgam incident accountable. The attack, which occurred on April 22 in the town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, resulted in the deaths of 26 people. Initially, TRF claimed responsibility for the attack, but later retracted its statement as tensions between India and Pakistan escalated.
India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) has identified Sheikh Sajjad Gul, the leader of TRF, as the primary orchestrator of the attack. This designation underscores the severity of the threat posed by TRF and its ties to LeT, a group already listed as a terrorist organization.
Rubio announced that the U.S. government has formally recognized TRF as both a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) group. He explained that TRF and its other names are now included under the existing designation of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) as a terrorist group. This decision was made under two critical legal frameworks: the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224. Additionally, the U.S. has reaffirmed LeT’s status as an FTO.
The move highlights the Trump administration’s firm stance on combating terrorism, safeguarding national security, and ensuring justice for the victims of the Pahalgam attack. Rubio noted that the Pahalgam attack was the deadliest on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which were also attributed to LeT. TRF has also been linked to several other attacks on Indian security forces, including incidents as recent as 2024.
In response to the Pahalgam attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7. During this operation, Indian forces targeted nine terror-related sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The move was aimed at disrupting terrorist networks and sending a strong message against cross-border terrorism.
Later in May, India dispatched seven groups of representatives to 33 major world capitals, including Washington, to draw attention to Pakistan’s role in fostering terrorism. The effort sought to garner international support and reinforce the need for global cooperation in addressing the threat of terrorism.
This development marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to counter terrorism and uphold international security standards. The U.S. designation of TRF as a foreign terrorist group is a clear signal of the growing global consensus against groups that threaten peace and stability.
