USA, July18,2025: Group Behind Deadly Pahalgam Attack Linked to Pakistan-Based LeT, Says US
In a major move, the United States has officially designated ‘The Resistance Front’ (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). The announcement was made through an official statement issued by the US Department of State.
US Secretary of State: TRF Behind April 22 Pahalgam Attack
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, “The TRF, a front for Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians.”
Rubio emphasized, “This was the deadliest terror attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks carried out by LeT. TRF has also claimed responsibility for multiple attacks on Indian security forces, including a major one in 2024.”
India Names TRF in Connection With Pahalgam Attack
Earlier, during a press briefing on May 7, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also held TRF responsible for the Pahalgam attack.
Misri said, “A group calling itself ‘The Resistance Front’ has claimed responsibility for the attack. This group is essentially a front for the Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba, which is already sanctioned by the United Nations.”
Background: TRF’s Ties to LeT and Pakistan-Based Terror
TRF is widely believed to be a proxy outfit created by LeT to carry out terror operations in Jammu & Kashmir under a different name, especially after global pressure mounted on Pakistan for harboring terrorist groups.
By designating TRF as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, the United States has signaled a tougher stance on Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and extended its support to India’s fight against cross-border terrorism.
