Pahalgam Brutality: US labels TRF a 'terrorist' organisation

US has officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF), a group allegedly linked to the Pahalgam massacre in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, as a "Foreign Terrorist Organization", reports Al Jazeera.

The decision, announced by the US State Department on Thursday (July 17), also places TRF under the category of "Specially Designated Global Terrorists."

In a statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the move was made in line with Washington's national security interests and in keeping with a commitment to justice following the deadly April 22 attack in Pahalgam, in which multiple civilians were killed. "We remain committed to countering terrorist threats globally, and today’s designation is a step toward holding TRF accountable," Rubio stated.

TRF, which has claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack and is accused of carrying out various assaults in the Kashmir region, is believed to be a proxy for the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). LeT has been on the US terror list for several years.

India welcomed the designation, calling it a "timely and necessary step." In a statement issued Friday, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said, "We appreciate the leadership of Secretary Marco Rubio and this decision, which reinforces the international resolve to counter terrorism in all its forms."

"India is steadfast in its 'zero tolerance' policy in combating terrorism," the stetement added.

India reiterated its longstanding position that TRF is a front for LeT and accused the organization of attempting to destabilize the region through violence.

The latest designation means TRF's assets under US jurisdiction will be frozen, and American citizens are prohibited from engaging in any transactions with the group.

The US State Department said the designation also serves as a broader signal of its commitment to global counterterrorism efforts, particularly in South Asia.