 "Pahalgam terror attack: US designates Pakistan's Lashkar proxy TRF as 'Foreign Terrorist Organisation'")
The US Department of State on Thursday announced that it is designating The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Pakistan’s Lashkar-e-Taiba, as a “Foreign Terrorist Organisation”. TRF was the same terror outfit that claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack that rocked Kashmir on April 22.
In a statement issued by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio , it was acknowledged that TRF claimed responsibility for the terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 people and triggered the 4-day military escalation between India and Pakistan. In light of this, the US accorded the group as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).
“Today, the Department of State is adding The Resistance Front (TRF) as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). TRF, a Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) front and proxy, claimed responsibility for the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians. This was the deadliest attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks conducted by LeT. TRF has also claimed responsibility for several attacks against Indian security forces, including most recently in 2024,” the statement read.
The Trump administration’s commitment to fighting terrorism
Rubio noted that the move reflected US President Donald Trump’s commitment to countering terrorism. “These actions taken by the Department of State demonstrate the Trump Administration’s commitment to protecting our national security interests, countering terrorism, and enforcing President Trump’s call for justice for the Pahalgam attack,” the statement reads.
“TRF and other associated aliases have been added to LeT’s designation as an FTO and SDGT pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, respectively. The Department of State has also reviewed and maintained the FTO designation of LeT. Amendments to FTO designations go into effect upon publication in the Federal Register,” Rubio furthered.
Earlier this week, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasised the importance of taking an uncompromised stance against terrorism, citing the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack in India, which was condemned by the UN Security Council. The EAM made the remarks while speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting in Tianjin.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsJaishankar highlighted that three evils have taken over the world: “Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism,” which he believes often occur together. While India was miffed with the warming ties between Pakistan and the US, the latest move gives reassurance that terrorism is not tolerated by the Trump administration.
India welcomes the move
Lauding the strong India-US ties and counter-terrorism cooperation, India welcomed the move made by the Department of State. “Another demonstration of strong India-USA counter-terrorism cooperation. Appreciate the Department of State for listing The Resistance Front (TRF) as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organisation and Specially Designated Global Terrorist,” the Indian embassy in the US said in a statement.
“TRF is a proxy of Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and claimed responsibility for the April 22 terror attack on civilians in Pahalgam. ZERO TOLERANCE for terrorism!” the statement further reads.
Another demonstration of strong India-USA counter-terrorism cooperation. Appreciate the Department of State for listing The Resistance Front (TRF) as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization and Specially Designated Global Terrorist. TRF is a proxy of Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and…
— India in USA (@IndianEmbassyUS) July 17, 2025
According to top intelligence sources, TRF emerged back in October 2019, shortly after India revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, which was enshrined under Article 370. Unlike its parent group, LeT, TRF deliberately adopted non-religious symbols and rhetoric to appeal to a wider audience and evade international scrutiny. Despite its branding, LeT continues to retain a heavy influence on the group.
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