Pahalgam Attack: US Declares TRF a Terrorist Organization
TRF Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization by US After Deadly Pahalgam Attack
Pahalgam Attack: In a defining moment for international counterterrorism efforts, the United States on Friday designated The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).
The announcement follows TRF’s public claim of responsibility for the devastating April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 innocent civilians in Jammu and Kashmir. The designation marks a pivotal milestone in the growing strategic alignment between Washington and New Delhi in the global fight against terrorism.
The US State Department described TRF as a proxy of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which masterminded the 2008 Mumbai attacks. “TRF, a Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) front and proxy, claimed responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians. This was the deadliest attack on civilians in India since 2008,” the official statement read. The department further emphasized the move as part of President Donald Trump’s commitment to counterterrorism, national security, and global justice.
Pahalgam Attack: India Welcomes Strong Global Action
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar took to X (formerly Twitter) to thank the United States for the bold step. “Appreciate @SecRubio and @StateDept for designating TRF—a Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) proxy—as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). It claimed responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam attack. Zero tolerance for Terrorism. #OpSindoor,” he wrote, reflecting India’s firm stance on global counterterrorism cooperation.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) echoed the sentiment, stating, “We acknowledge and appreciate the leadership of Secretary of State Mr. Marco Rubio in this regard. The designation of TRF is a timely and important step reflecting the deep cooperation between India and the United States on counter-terrorism.”
A Critical Blow to Terror Financing and Support
With TRF designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization, US law now criminalizes any form of support—financial, material, or advisory—to the group. This designation, enforced under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, not only isolates TRF globally but also severely cripples its operational and fundraising capabilities.
Amendments to the FTO designation will take effect upon publication in the Federal Register. Additionally, associated aliases and offshoots of TRF have been brought under the same legal umbrella, closing any possible loopholes for the terror outfit to exploit.
“The designations are an effective means of curtailing support for terrorist activities and pressuring groups to get out of the terrorism business,” the US State Department said, reinforcing the gravity of the action.
Pahalgam Attack: A Global Call for Justice and Accountability
This move comes after India’s repeated efforts to bring TRF under the United Nations Security Council spotlight were repeatedly blocked by Pakistan. However, international pressure is now mounting. Notably, President Trump was the first foreign leader to express solidarity with India following the Pahalgam massacre, which occurred while US Vice President J.D. Vance was on an official visit to New Delhi.
The TRF, an emerging but deadly faction, has grown increasingly bold in recent years. It has not only targeted civilians but also launched calculated assaults against Indian security personnel throughout 2024. Its operational style—using sophisticated propaganda and covert alliances—made it imperative for global powers to act swiftly and decisively.
India and the US: Zero Tolerance for Terrorism
India reaffirmed its stance on global terrorism, reiterating that it remains firmly committed to a policy of zero tolerance. The MEA concluded, “India will continue to work closely with its international partners to ensure that terrorist organisations and their proxies are held accountable.”
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