In a significant move, the United States has designated The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy organization of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). This decision, lauded by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, underscores the robust counter-terrorism partnership between India and the US. The TRF claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, an incident that resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians.
The US Department of State’s announcement highlighted TRF’s involvement in attacks on Indian security forces and the group’s links to LeT. The designation is a strong signal of the US government’s commitment to combating terrorism. The US government stated that this action is aligned with its continued efforts to protect national security interests. The decision also coincides with EAM Jaishankar’s emphasis on a firm stance against terrorism at the SCO meeting in Tianjin, citing the Pahalgam attack, which was condemned by the UN Security Council.