The United States has officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).
The move follows TRF’s claim of responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir that killed 26 civilians.
India Welcomes US Decision
Reacting to the announcement, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar welcomed the designation and called it a ‘strong affirmation’ of India-US counter-terrorism cooperation.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “A strong affirmation of India-US counter-terrorism cooperation. 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.”
A strong affirmation of India-US counter-terrorism cooperation.
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…
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 18, 2025
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the designation on Thursday, stating that it underscores the Trump administration’s firm stand on national security and justice for victims of terrorism.
“This action demonstrates 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,” Rubio said.
He confirmed that the US has listed TRF under relevant laws and executive orders concerning terrorist entities.
Link to April 22 Pahalgam Massacre
TRF claimed the April 22 Pahalgam attack, where terrorists killed 26 civilians, including 25 tourists and a local pony handler, after identifying them by religion. One of the victims was a tourist from Nepal.
Rubio termed the massacre the deadliest civilian attack in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, also carried out by LeT.
The designation is expected to:
- Freeze TRF’s access to financial networks,
- Increase international scrutiny on its members,
- And put added pressure on Pakistan-based terror groups that rebrand under new names.
India has consistently raised concerns about TRF’s role in cross-border terrorism. Observers call the US move a diplomatic win for New Delhi, reinforcing global resolve against terror proxies.
UN Also Condemns Pahalgam Attack
The announcement follows a UN statement condemning the Pahalgam attack and calling for justice.
The move signals a tougher global stance on South Asian terror networks and their proxies.
Also Read: US Action Against TRF, A Major Blow To Pakistani Army And Asim Munir
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