US Designates TRF as Foreign Terrorist Org
Washington Sanctions The Resistance Front After Pahalgam Attack; India Welcomes Move
- US designated The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).
- The move follows TRF’s claim of responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26.
- Sanctions block TRF assets in the US and prohibit transactions with the group.
GG News Bureau
Washington, 18th July: In a key development in the global fight against terrorism, the United States government has officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). TRF, an affiliate believed to be backed by Pakistan, was sanctioned following intense pressure to act after the group claimed responsibility for the brutal terrorist attack in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir on April 22.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made the announcement late Thursday. The April 22, 2025, attack saw gunmen linked to TRF open fire on a group of tourists in the picturesque Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, killing 26 individuals and injuring several others. This massacre, one of the deadliest in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, provoked widespread outrage across India and global condemnation. US intelligence agencies have since confirmed that the attack was orchestrated and carried out by militants with direct support from operatives within Pakistan.
Declaring TRF an FTO means all property and interests in property belonging to the group within the US are now blocked. Furthermore, US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in any transactions with TRF, and strict travel bans and financial sanctions on TRF members are now active. Washington’s move is seen as a powerful step to isolate TRF on the global stage, disrupt its funding, and prevent international travel by its operatives.
US Commitment and India’s Response
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated: “This designation is a reflection of the Trump administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding American national security and strengthening the international fight against terrorism. The horrific attack on innocent civilians in Pahalgam will not go unpunished.” The State Department further highlighted TRF’s repeated involvement in attacks targeting Indian security forces and civilians, underscoring the group’s threat not only to India but to international stability.
In the aftermath of the April 22 attack, India launched retaliatory airstrikes on May 7, targeting nine terrorist camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. Indian intelligence sources report that over 100 terrorists were eliminated in these strikes, signaling a severe escalation and India’s firm intent to hold perpetrators and their backers accountable.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude to the United States, describing the new designation as an “important milestone” in the global campaign against terror.
“India is fully committed to bringing all those responsible for this cowardly attack and those providing them safe haven to justice,” Modi affirmed.
This US action significantly strengthens counterterrorism cooperation between Washington and New Delhi, sending a firm message to groups operating with impunity in South Asia. US officials reiterated their ongoing support for India’s efforts to combat terrorism and maintain regional security.
The move is expected to spur greater international cooperation, potentially leading other nations to take similar steps against TRF and its affiliates. Both countries called for global unity in isolating and dismantling terror groups threatening peace and innocent lives.
