Washington/New Delhi: The United States has officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) group, days after the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The April 22 attack, which targeted tourists, claimed 26 lives and was condemned globally for its brutality.
The TRF, which claimed responsibility for the attack, is believed to operate under the command of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. Until the recent incident, the group remained relatively unknown. U.S. Secretary of State Mark Rubio confirmed the designation, stating that the TRF is a front for Lashkar-e-Taiba and that the Pahalgam incident marks the deadliest terror attack in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Following the assault, India launched retaliatory strikes under “Operation Sindhoor,” targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan. While Pakistan responded with cross-border firing, both nations later agreed to a ceasefire. U.S. President Donald Trump called for justice for the victims and reaffirmed the U.S. administration’s commitment to combating terrorism and safeguarding national security.