US Declares TRF a Terrorist Organisation After Pahalgam Attack Claim
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On July 18, 2025, the United States announced that it has listed The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). This decision follows TRF’s claim of responsibility for the devastating April 22 Pahalgam attack, which resulted in 26 civilian deaths—the deadliest assault on tourists in India since 2008.
Previously thought to be a domestic militant group, TRF is now recognized as a proxy for the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). According to officials, TRF was created to conceal LeT’s involvement in attacks after international pressure intensified.
This designation imposes strict financial and legal sanctions on TRF. It prohibits U.S. citizens and organizations from any engagement with the group and empowers authorities to freeze its assets.
India welcomed this move. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar described it as a “strong affirmation” of Indo-U.S. counter-terror coordination. The action reinforces global zero-tolerance against state-sponsored terror.
The Pahalgam attack, carried out with AK-47s and M4 carbines, claimed lives of mostly Hindu tourists but also a Christian and a local Muslim, heightening tensions in Jammu and Kashmir. TRF had issued a statement opposing the special status revocation of Kashmir but later retracted its claim.
By branding TRF as a terrorism actor, the U.S. aims to disrupt its funding networks and operations, offering a diplomatic victory to India and paving the way for coordinated international pressure. India’s UN campaign to list TRF under global sanctions continues, and this American action strengthens the effort.
Overall, the U.S. designation is a key step in hindering TRF/LeT’s reach, signaling deeper cooperation between India and America in fighting terrorism.
