US Designates The Resistance Front As Terrorist Group
The US Department of State designated The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) in July 2025. This move marks step in international counter-terrorism cooperation, particularly between India and the US. TRF claimed responsibility for the April 2025 Pahalgam attack in South Kashmir, which killed 26 people. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar welcomed the designation as a strong affirmation of joint efforts against terrorism.
Origins and Emergence of The Resistance Front
The Resistance Front surfaced in 2020 amid rising tensions in Jammu and Kashmir. It is an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), formed to continue militant activities after LeT’s leadership suffered heavy losses in Kashmir. The group gained attention after deadly encounters with Indian security forces, including a May 2020 gunbattle in Keran that killed five army commandos and five militants. TRF’s emergence followed two major events – the killing of LeT commanders in 2018 and the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, which removed Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
Growth and Strategy of The Resistance Front
LeT was established in 1985 with the aim of merging Kashmir with Pakistan. However, by late 2018, Indian security operations had decimated its leadership and operational capacity. Pakistan, facing international pressure from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) due to terror financing concerns, sought to create a more secular and indigenous militant group. TRF was designed to appear less religiously motivated and more locally rooted. The group reportedly trains militants for six months, blending local and foreign fighters. It uses social media platforms like Facebook, Telegram, and WhatsApp to spread propaganda and claim attacks.
Significance of US Terrorist Designation
The US designation of TRF as an FTO and SDGT under the Immigration and Nationality Act and Office of Foreign Assets Control rules restricts the group’s operations in the US. It prohibits Americans from providing material support and requires financial institutions to block assets linked to TRF. Such measures aim to disrupt funding and international networks. The designation also subjects associated individuals to secondary sanctions, curbing their global business dealings. TRF joins a list of about 79 groups, including Hezbollah and al-Qaeda, recognised by the US as terrorist organisations.
Impact on India-US Counter-Terrorism Cooperation
The designation strengthens India-US collaboration against cross-border terrorism. India has long accused Pakistan of supporting militant groups in Kashmir. The US move signals alignment with India’s security concerns and a shared commitment to counter-terrorism. It may also increase pressure on Pakistan to curb terror financing and militant activity. This step is expected to enhance intelligence sharing, joint operations, and diplomatic efforts to combat terrorism in South Asia.
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