New York/washington, Jul 18: The United States has officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF), a Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) proxy responsible for the deadly April 22 Pahalgam attack, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). This step marks a reinforced commitment by Washington to support global counter-terror efforts and justice for the victims.
In a statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the decision under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224. The TRF, along with its aliases, now joins Lashkar-e-Taiba on the list of banned terror groups maintained by the US State Department.
The Pahalgam attack claimed 26 civilian lives, marking it as the deadliest terror strike in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Although TRF initially claimed responsibility, it later retracted the statement amid rising diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan. India’s National Investigation Agency has named Sheikh Sajjad Gul, TRF’s leader, as the mastermind behind the assault.
Rubio emphasized that this move highlights the Trump administration’s commitment to safeguarding national interests and delivering justice. He also noted TRF’s involvement in multiple attacks on Indian security forces, including incidents reported as recently as 2024.
Responding to the development, the Indian Embassy in Washington posted a strong message on X, praising the designation as another example of growing India-US counter-terrorism coordination. The statement reiterated India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.
In the aftermath of the attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting multiple terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Following that, diplomatic outreach intensified, with seven Indian delegations visiting 33 global capitals, including Washington, to expose Pakistan’s terror affiliations.
The designation is expected to put additional international pressure on Pakistan and its terror proxies, reinforcing the global resolve to act against transnational terrorism.
US Designates LeT Proxy The Resistance Front responsible for Pahalgam Attack as Terrorist Organisation
