The U.S. has officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF), a known proxy of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), as both a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT), months after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed 26 civilian lives.
In a formal statement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the Department of State had updated LeT’s designation to include TRF and its aliases, under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224. This classification intensifies restrictions, allows for asset freezes, and prohibits material support to TRF globally.
Key Highlights:
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TRF’s Role in Pahalgam Attack:The April 22 attack involved four gunmen storming Baisaran Valley, targeting and killing Hindu civilians after verifying their religious identity. TRF initially claimed responsibility but later retracted its statement, a common tactic used by terror outfits to evade international scrutiny.
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Historical Context:This is regarded as the deadliest civilian terror strike in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which were also carried out by LeT. The U.S. reiterated LeT’s long-standing record of transnational terrorism.
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Indian Military Response – Operation Sindoor:In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror launchpads across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Notably, India reportedly damaged strategic military infrastructure, including Noor Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi.
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Ceasefire Dynamics:Amid escalated tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on Truth Social that a ceasefire was reached due to his intervention. However, India dismissed these assertions, emphasizing that any negotiations with Pakistan would remain bilateral, without third-party involvement.
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Ceasefire Agreement:A formal ceasefire came into effect on May 10, following a request from Pakistan’s DGMO to his Indian counterpart. Both sides agreed to halt further hostilities.
Diplomatic Context:
This designation reflects continued U.S. support for India’s fight against terrorism, reaffirmed during the recent visit of an Indian all-party parliamentary delegation to Washington. The move also signals a firm stance by the U.S. on counterterrorism cooperation with India, aligning with broader strategic goals in South Asia.
Broader Implications:
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TRF’s designation enhances legal and financial tools available to international law enforcement agencies.
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It also isolates Pakistan diplomatically, particularly if it continues to harbor or deny links to groups like LeT and TRF.
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The Indian government may now push for more coordinated global actions against state-sponsored terrorism.
