In a move aimed at countering terrorism and protecting national security interests, the US Department of State has added The Resistance Front (TRF) as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). The designation was announced on July 17, 2025.
The decision to add TRF to the list of FTOs and SDGTs is a direct response to the group's claimed responsibility for the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack in India, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. This deadly attack marked the deadliest assault on Indian civilians since the 2008 Mumbai attacks carried out by LeT.
TRF has been linked to several other attacks against Indian security forces, including most recently in 2024. The group's activities have been closely monitored by US authorities, who have deemed it a proxy for Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), another FTO and SDGT.
The designation of TRF as an FTO and SDGT reflects the Trump Administration's commitment to combating terrorism and enforcing President Trump's call for justice in response to the Pahalgam attack. This move also underscores the US government's determination to disrupt and dismantle terrorist organizations that threaten national security interests.
Key Facts:
• The Resistance Front (TRF) has been designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).
• TRF claimed responsibility for the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack in India, which killed 26 civilians.
• TRF has also been linked to several other attacks against Indian security forces.
• The group is considered a proxy for Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), another FTO and SDGT.
The Department of State's review process for designating terrorist organizations involves careful consideration of evidence and intelligence on the group's activities, financing, and connections. Amendments to FTO designations go into effect upon publication in the Federal Register.
This designation marks a significant step in the US government's efforts to counter terrorism and disrupt the operations of terrorist groups that threaten national security interests.