US recognises The Resistance Front, Offshoot of LeT, as a Terrorist Organisation

The US has designated The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO). TRF initially claimed responsibility for the 22nd April Pahalgam attacks, which had claimed 26 lives. This US step against the offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) comes as a diplomatic win for India. India has been pushing for a no tolerance policy against terror.

On Thursday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made a statement. He described the group as a “front and proxy” for Lashkar-e-Taiba. LeT has already been designated a terrorist organisation by both Washington and the United Nations (UN).

Also read: Modi and Trump Discuss Terrorism in Recent Phone Call

What is TRF?

The Resistance Front is also known as “Kashmir Resistance.” It initially took responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack. However, they denied it days later. India’s National Investigative Agency has identified TRF head Sheikh Sajjad Gul as the mastermind of the attack. 

TRF is said to be an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. LeT is an Islamist group. It is accused of plotting attacks in India and in the West. These include the three-day deadly assault on Mumbai in November 2008.

The US Statement on TRF

Marco Rubio stated that the designation shows Washington’s commitment. It enforces President Donald Trump’s call for justice following the Pahalgam Attack. He said, “Today, the Department of State is adding The Resistance Front (TRF) as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO). It is also adding TRF as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).”

He highlighted that the Pahalgam attack was the deadliest attack on civilians in India. It was the most severe since the 2008 Mumbai attacks conducted by LeT. “The Department of State has taken these actions. They demonstrate the Trump Administration’s commitment to protecting our national security interests. The Administration is countering terrorism. It is enforcing President Trump’s call for justice for the Pahalgam attack,” Rubio added.

“TRF and other associated aliases have been added to LeT’s designation as an FTO and SDGT. This is pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224.”

India Welcomes US Counter-Terrorism Effort

The Indian Embassy in Washington said the decision underscores the strength of counter-terrorism cooperation between India and the US. In a post on X, it said, “Another demonstration of strong India-USA counter-terrorism cooperation. We appreciate the Department of State. They listed The Resistance Front (TRF) as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization 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!”

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also welcomed the US decision. “Appreciate Secretary Rubio and State Dept for their actions. They designated TRF, a Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) proxy, as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO). It is also a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). It claimed responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam attack. Zero tolerance for terrorism,” Jaishankar posted on the social media platform X.

Notably, after the Pahalgam attack, India sent seven multi-party delegations to 33 global capitals. These capitals included Washington. The purpose was to build international pressure on Pakistan. They sought to highlight its continued support for terrorism.

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