US designates Balochistan armed group in Pakistan as foreign terrorist organization

The United States has designated Pakistan-based Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) as a “foreign terrorist” organisation, escalating its 2019 label of “specially designated global terrorist” (SDGT). The move, announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, aims to curb all forms of support to the group, which has claimed deadly attacks, including a March train siege killing dozens. Balochistan, Pakistan’s poorest province, has faced repeated secessionist uprisings since 1947, with current demands for independence. The designation comes amid US-Pakistan engagement, including Trump hosting Army chief Asim Munir, and follows similar action against The Resistance Front in Indian-administered Kashmir. Tensions with India remain high.