US designates The Resistance Front as Foreign Terrorist Organisation after Pahalgam attack; highlights Lashkar-e-Taiba links

US declares TRF a Foreign Terrorist Group

The United States has officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF), a known offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). The announcement, made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, comes in the aftermath of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians.

Pahalgam attack among deadliest since 2008 Mumbai strikes

The April 22 attack in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam, was one of the deadliest strikes on Indian civilians since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, also attributed to Lashkar-e-Taiba. Four armed terrorists targeted Hindu men, confirming their religion before opening fire. TRF initially claimed responsibility for the attack but later issued a denial.

Strengthening the Lashkar network designation

Secretary Rubio noted that TRF and its aliases have now been incorporated into the existing designations for Lashkar-e-Taiba under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224. These amendments will be formally published in the Federal Register.

India responds with Operation Sindoor

Following the attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, conducting precision airstrikes on terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir. Targets included key Pakistani military infrastructure like the Noor Khan airbase in Rawalpindi. The operation was followed by multiple ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) and the international borders in Punjab and Rajasthan.

Ceasefire negotiations and Trump’s involvement

On May 10, a ceasefire was agreed upon after Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations reached out to India. While President Donald Trump claimed the ceasefire resulted from US diplomatic efforts and threats to halt trade talks, India firmly denied the claim, reiterating that issues with Pakistan must be resolved bilaterally.

US reiterates support for India

The US reaffirmed its strong support for India’s counter-terrorism efforts and its bilateral strategic partnership during a recent visit by an Indian all-party parliamentary delegation. The designation of TRF further cements Washington’s commitment to combating terrorism and reinforcing global security.

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