Key Points
- The US has officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
- TRF had claimed responsibility for the April 22 attack in Baisaran Valley, Jammu & Kashmir, killing 26 tourists.
- New sanctions block TRF’s financial assets, restrict member travel, and reinforce US-India counterterrorism cooperation.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized America’s commitment to punishing those behind the Pahalgam attack.
- Following the attack, India conducted retaliatory air strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.
Washington: In a significant development in the global fight against terrorism, the United States government has designated The Resistance Front (TRF), an affiliate believed to be backed by Pakistan, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made the announcement late Thursday, following increased pressure to act after the TRF claimed responsibility for the brutal terrorist attack in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir on April 22.
The Attack That Sparked Global Outrage
On April 22, 2025, gunmen linked to the TRF opened fire on a group of tourists in the picturesque Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, killing 26 and injuring several others. The massacre, one of the deadliest since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, provoked outrage across India and condemnation globally. US intelligence agencies have confirmed that the attack was orchestrated and carried out by militants with direct support from operatives within Pakistan.
US Response: Terror Listing and Sanctions
Declaring the TRF a Foreign Terrorist Organization means all property and interests in property belonging to the group in the US are blocked, and US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in any transactions with TRF. Strict travel bans and financial sanctions on TRF members are now active. Washington’s move is seen as a powerful step to isolate TRF on the global stage, disrupt its funding, and prevent international travel by its operatives.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated:
“This designation is a reflection of the Trump administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding American national security and strengthening the international fight against terrorism. The horrific attack on innocent civilians in Pahalgam will not go unpunished.”
The State Department further noted TRF’s repeated involvement in attacks targeting Indian security forces and civilians, underscoring the group’s threat not only to India but to international stability.
India Responds with Force
In the aftermath of the attack, India launched retaliatory airstrikes on May 7, targeting nine terrorist camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. Indian intelligence sources say that more than 100 terrorists were eliminated in the strikes, signaling a severe escalation and India’s intent to hold perpetrators and their backers accountable.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude to the United States, describing the new designation as an “important milestone” in the global campaign against terror. “India is fully committed to bringing all those responsible for this cowardly attack and those providing them safe haven to justice,” Modi said.
Strengthening US-India Counterterrorism Ties
This US action strengthens counterterrorism cooperation between Washington and New Delhi, sending a firm message to groups operating with impunity in South Asia. US officials reiterated their ongoing support for India’s efforts to combat terrorism and maintain regional security.
International Cooperation Against Terrorism
The move is expected to spur greater international cooperation, potentially leading other nations to take similar steps against TRF and its affiliates. Both countries called for global unity in isolating and dismantling terror groups threatening peace and innocent lives.
