US targets Pakistan-backed TRF with terror designation following Pahalgam attack

In a major move reflecting growing international resolve against cross-border terrorism, the United States has officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). The decision follows the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which claimed 26 lives.

The announcement was made on Thursday by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said the action underscores the US commitment to holding perpetrators of terrorism accountable and aligns with President Donald Trump’s call for justice for the Pahalgam victims.

“TRF and other associated aliases have been added to LeT's designation as a FTO and SDGT pursuant to Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, respectively. The Department of State has also reviewed and maintained the FTO designation of LeT,” Rubio said in the official statement.

TRF linked to deadly attacks in India

The Resistance Front had initially claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack but later retracted as diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan escalated. India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) has since identified Sheikh Sajjad Gul, the head of TRF, as the mastermind behind the attack. The group has also been linked to multiple other strikes on Indian security forces, including incidents as recent as 2024.

Highlighting the gravity of the April attack, Rubio said it was the deadliest on Indian civilians since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, also orchestrated by LeT.

Reacting to the US designation, the Indian Embassy in Washington welcomed the decision, calling it a reflection of strong bilateral counter-terrorism collaboration.

"Another demonstration of strong India-USA counter-terrorism cooperation. Appreciate the Department of State for listing The Resistance Front (TRF) as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organisation and Specially Designated Global Terrorist. TRF is a proxy of Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and claimed responsibility for the April 22 terror attack on civilians in Pahalgam. ZERO TOLERANCE for terrorism!” the Embassy posted on X.

India launched Operation Sindoor post-attack

In direct response to the Pahalgam attack, India initiated Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting nine terror infrastructure locations across Pakistan. The precision strikes marked a major escalation in India’s counter-terror operations.

To further expose Pakistan’s terror links, seven multi-party delegations from India visited 33 global capitals, including Washington, to reach out to the international community to emphasise Pakistan's links to terrorism.