Why the U.S. Declared Balochistan Liberation Army and Majeed Brigade Terrorist Groups: From Insurgency to Infamy

In a decisive move that reverberated across South Asia, the United States Department of State officially designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its elite faction, the Majeed Brigade, as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs) on August 11, 2025. This action, taken under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, marks a significant escalation in international scrutiny of separatist violence in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province.

But what led to this designation? What does it mean for regional security, and how will it affect Pakistan’s internal dynamics and global counterterrorism efforts?

Who Are the BLA and Majeed Brigade?

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) is a separatist militant group that has waged an armed insurgency against the Pakistani state for decades. Rooted in ethnic nationalism, the BLA claims to fight for the independence of Balochistan, accusing Islamabad of systemic marginalization, resource exploitation, and military repression.

The Majeed Brigade is the BLA’s suicide attack unit, responsible for some of the group’s most high-profile and deadly operations. Named after Abdul Majeed Baloch, a founding figure of the BLA, the brigade has targeted military convoys, infrastructure, and foreign nationals especially Chinese workers involved in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Notable Attacks:

• 2024: Suicide bombings near Karachi airport and Gwadar Port Authority Complex
• March 2025: Hijacking of the Jaffar Express train from Quetta to Peshawar, killing 31 civilians and security personnel, and holding over 300 passengers hostage
• August 2025: Roadside IED attack in Nushki district, killing three Pakistani Army personnel, including a major

These attacks, often coordinated with precision and backed by intelligence, have demonstrated the group’s growing operational capabilities and its intent to destabilize the region.

Why the U.S. Designation Matters

The U.S. designation of the BLA and Majeed Brigade as FTOs carries significant implications:

1. Legal and Financial Sanctions

• Freezes any assets the groups may hold in U.S. jurisdictions.
• Criminalizes material support to the organizations.
• Enables cooperation with international partners to disrupt funding and logistics.

2. Diplomatic Signaling

• Reinforces U.S. support for Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts.
• Sends a message to other separatist movements that violence will not be legitimized.
• Aligns with broader U.S. strategy to secure South Asia, especially amid rising tensions with China and instability in Afghanistan.

3. Operational Impact

• Limits the groups’ ability to recruit, fundraise, and coordinate internationally.
• May prompt other countries to follow suit with similar designations.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, “Terrorist designations play a critical role in our fight against this scourge and are an effective way to curtail support for terrorist activities”.

The Roots of the Baloch Insurgency

To understand the rise of the BLA, one must delve into the historical grievances of Balochistan:

Key Issues:

• Resource Exploitation: Despite being rich in minerals and gas, Balochistan remains one of Pakistan’s poorest provinces.
• Political Marginalization: Baloch leaders have long complained of exclusion from national decision-making.
• Military Presence: Heavy deployment of Pakistani forces has led to allegations of human rights abuses.

The insurgency has evolved from tribal skirmishes to a sophisticated guerrilla campaign. Groups like the BLA and BLF (Balochistan Liberation Front) have adopted asymmetric warfare tactics, targeting infrastructure and symbols of state authority.

However, the movement remains fragmented, with internal rivalries and limited popular support. Many Baloch civilians oppose violence and seek peaceful solutions through political engagement.

What Comes Next: Counterterrorism vs Reconciliation

The U.S. designation may strengthen Pakistan’s hand in cracking down on insurgents, but it also raises critical questions:

1. Will It Lead to Peace?

• Military operations alone cannot resolve deep-rooted grievances.
• A political dialogue with moderate Baloch leaders is essential.

2. Impact on CPEC and Regional Stability

• Attacks on Chinese nationals and infrastructure threaten billions in investment.
• Stability in Balochistan is key to regional connectivity and economic growth.

3. Human Rights Concerns

• Pakistan must ensure that counterterrorism efforts do not lead to collective punishment or suppression of legitimate dissent.

4. Global Implications

• The designation may influence how other separatist movements are viewed globally.
• It sets a precedent for how insurgencies are classified in the age of hybrid warfare.

The BLA and Majeed Brigade’s journey from insurgency to international infamy is a cautionary tale of how unresolved grievances can spiral into violence. The U.S. designation is a powerful tool but whether it leads to peace or further polarization depends on what Pakistan and the global community do next.

Also read – From Beijing to Washington: Pakistan’s Balochistan Mineral Pivot Sparks Global Shockwaves

BLA’s Capture of Surab: A Major Blow & A Crisis for Pakistan’s Control Over Balochistan