The Resistance Front, a proxy of Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) has been designated a foreign terrorist organisation by the US. The group was behind the brutal terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22 where 26 men were killed in the Baisaran Valley.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the action demonstrates the US’ commitment to enforcing President Donald Trump’s call for justice for the Pahalgam attack, according to a statement issued by the State Department on Thursday.
The Indian Embassy backed Washington’s move, saying this shows how strong the India-US counter-terrorism cooperation is.
India’s National Investigation Agency has identified Sheikh Sajjad Gul as the mastermind of the attack, who is the head of TRF. The group had claimed responsibility for the attack.
Rubio said the TRF has been designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) by the Department of State.
“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,” he said, reported PTI.
“This (Pahalgam attack) 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,” Rubio added.
Following Rubio’s announcement, the Indian Embassy highlighted New Delhi’s firm stance against terrorism.
“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 claimed responsibility for the April 22 terror attack on civilians in Pahalgam. ZERO TOLERANCE for terrorism!” it said.
In retaliation to the terrorist attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 targeting terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
