On July 17, 2025, the United States designated The Resistance Front (TRF), responsible for the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) group. The attack in Baisaran Valley claimed 26 civilian lives, mostly Hindu tourists, marking one of India’s deadliest incidents since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The U.S. State Department identified TRF as a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a banned terrorist group, citing its role in the attack.
Announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the designation imposes sanctions, including asset freezes and penalties for supporting TRF, reflecting the U.S. commitment to countering terrorism. Rubio referenced President Donald Trump’s call for justice for the victims, noting the attack’s aim to disrupt Kashmir’s tourism economy. Indian investigations named TRF’s leader, Sheikh Sajjad Gul, as the key planner, with some evidence suggesting involvement of individuals from across the border.
India responded with Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, targeting terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, eliminating over 100 militants. Pakistan, rejecting any involvement, described the strikes as escalatory, leading to a brief exchange of drone and missile attacks before a ceasefire on May 10. India’s diplomatic efforts have emphasized the need for global action against terrorism, while the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) noted significant funding behind the attack, raising questions about financial networks.
The U.S. designation seeks to curb TRF’s operations, urging broader cooperation to address terrorism and promote stability in the region following the Pahalgam tragedy.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 18th, 2025
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