In a strong statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the designation of The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).
This move highlights Washington’s intent to hold accountable those responsible for orchestrating terror attacks like the recent Pahalgam ambush. In a cautious response to the US decision to designate The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation, China urged regional countries to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation to maintain regional stability.
While refraining from directly endorsing the US move, Beijing emphasized the need for a unified approach to combat terrorism, particularly in light of growing threats across South Asia.
The TRF, considered a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), has been linked to the recent deadly attack in Pahalgam.
Responding to the US designation of TRF as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated China’s firm opposition to all forms of terrorism.
Condemning the April 22 Pahalgam attack, he emphasized that Beijing remains committed to supporting international efforts against terrorism while advocating for regional cooperation and dialogue.
China Calls for Stronger Regional Counterterrorism Cooperation to Ensure Stability.
In a significant move, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the designation of The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). The decision underscores Washington’s intent to crack down on terror groups threatening regional and global security.
The US move to designate TRF is likely to resonate within the UN Security Council, particularly the 1267 Committee, which oversees global terrorist listings. This step could pave the way for broader international sanctions against the group and its affiliates.
Several Pakistan-based terrorist groups and individuals are already sanctioned under the UN Security Council’s 1267 regime, which enforces asset freezes, travel bans, and arms embargoes.
Notable among them are Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), and Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD).
Prominent leaders like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar also feature on the sanctions list, reflecting global concern over their activities.In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, the UN Security Council issued a firm condemnation on April 25, denouncing the violence.
However, references to The Resistance Front (TRF) and Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) were notably absent from the statement. Reports suggest that the omission was the result of objections raised by Pakistan and China, reflecting geopolitical sensitivities within the Council.
Pakistan’s leading daily Dawn highlighted the significance of the US designation of TRF as a terrorist organisation, noting that the move appeared to align with India’s long-standing position.
India has maintained that TRF is merely a front for the banned Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT). The report underscored how Washington’s statement seemed to echo New Delhi’s concerns about proxy terror groups operating in the region.
The April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, was initially claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF) before the group later withdrew its statement amid escalating tensions.
In response, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. After several days of intense cross-border hostilities, India and Pakistan reached a mutual understanding on May 10 to cease military actions. The agreement played a key role in de-escalating tensions triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack.