Latest news with #ExecutiveOrder13224
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'No objection': Pakistan FM Ishaq Dar plays down question on US move to list TRF as terror group; had earlier said 'TRF not illegal, show proof'
ಇಶಾಕ್ ದಾರ್ (ಸಂಗ್ರಹ ಚಿತ್ರ) Pakistan's deputy prime minister Ishaq Dar has expressed support for the United States' decision to designate The Resistance Front (TRF) as a terrorist organisation, marking a significant shift from his previous position. Speaking at an event in Washington DC, Dar stated that Pakistan has "no objection" to the US designation, however, said that linking TRF with Lashkar-e-Taiba is "wrong." 'It is obviously a sovereign decision of the United States to designate the TRF. We have no issue. And we welcome, if they have any evidence, that they are involved,' Dar said. 'Linking the TRF to the Lashkar-e-Taiba is wrong. That outfit was dismantled years ago by Pakistan. The actors were prosecuted, arrested and jailed, and the entire outfit was destroyed,' he added. However, this statement stands in stark contrast to his earlier position in Pakistan's Parliament. Earlier, As a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Dar had declared that Pakistan blocked the mention of TRF in the UNSC's condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives. "We opposed the mention of TRF in the UNSC statement. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The boy meets a dog on the street - no one expected what happened next. Women's Method Learn More Undo I got calls from global capitals, but Pakistan will not accept," Dar said. "TRF was deleted, and Pakistan prevailed." He further added, "We don't consider TRF illegal. Show us proof they carried out the Pahalgam attack. Show ownership by TRF. We won't accept the allegation, and TRF had to be deleted from the UN press release." Earlier in July, US designated TRF a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). Highlighting the TRF's involvement in multiple attacks against India, including the deadly Pahalgam attack, the state department said the decision reflected the Trump administration's "commitment to protecting US national security, countering terrorism, and enforcing President Trump's call for justice following the Pahalgam attack". "TRF and other associated aliases have been added to LeT's designation as a FTO and SDGT pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, respectively. The Department of State has also reviewed and maintained the FTO designation of LeT. Amendments to FTO designations go into effect upon publication in the Federal Register," the statement read. The Resistance Front was formed in 2019 as a proxy of Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and was banned by the central government in 2023. It has been actively involved in recruiting youth online, facilitating the infiltration of terrorists, and smuggling weapons and narcotics from Pakistan into Jammu and Kashmir. TRF had also claimed responsibility for several attacks targeting civilians, political leaders, and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir. Its founder and commander, Sheikh Sajjad Gul, has been designated a terrorist under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
News18
19-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Why US Designating Pakistan's Lashkar Proxy TRF As ‘Foreign Terrorist Organisation' Matters
The designation follows TRF claiming responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians—the deadliest such attack in India since the 2008 Mumbai carnage In a decisive move aimed at countering terrorism in South Asia, the US Department of State has officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). The designation follows TRF's claim of responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians—the deadliest such attack in India since the 2008 Mumbai carnage. The TRF, widely known as a proxy and front of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has emerged in recent years as a dangerous player in orchestrating violence in Jammu & Kashmir. According to US officials, the group is responsible not only for the Pahalgam massacre, but also for multiple attacks on Indian security forces. In a statement released by the US Department of State, it was clarified that TRF and its aliases are now added to LeT's designation under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, which targets terrorists and those providing support to acts of terrorism. 'These actions demonstrate the Trump administration's commitment to protecting our national security interests, countering terrorism, and enforcing President Donald Trump's call for justice for the Pahalgam attack," the statement noted. The US State Department also confirmed that it has reviewed and reaffirmed the designation of LeT as an FTO, ensuring that all associated entities, including TRF, are brought under the full scope of counter-terror sanctions. Strategic Implications and Global Cooperation The move is being widely interpreted as a strong signal of support to India in its fight against cross-border terrorism. It also serves as a broader indication of the deepening India-US counterterrorism cooperation, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, where geopolitical tensions are mounting. India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar welcomed the decision, calling it a 'strong affirmation of US-India counter-terrorism ties". In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote: 'Appreciate Secretary Rubio and @StateDept for designating TRF, a Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) proxy, as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). It claimed responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam attack. Zero tolerance for terrorism." The designation brings with it significant legal and financial implications. It prohibits any US persons or entities from knowingly providing material support to TRF and allows for the seizure of its assets under US jurisdiction. It also enhances law enforcement efforts to counter individuals and networks associated with the group globally. Families of Victims Welcome US Move The designation was met with relief and a sense of justice by the families of the Pahalgam terror attack victims. Hyder Shah, father of Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a pony ride operator who was killed while trying to save tourists, said: 'We are very happy that TRF has been declared a terrorist organisation. They killed my child in Pahalgam. This is a step toward justice." Adil's sister echoed his sentiments, adding that all terrorist organisations should be eliminated, and expressed faith in PM Modi's leadership on the issue of national security. Background: The Rise of TRF TRF emerged in late 2019, branding itself as an indigenous outfit in Kashmir. However, intelligence reports from both Indian and international agencies have confirmed its direct linkage to LeT. Experts say TRF was created to sidestep international pressure on Pakistan and LeT by projecting terrorism in Kashmir as 'home-grown". Despite its rebranding strategy, TRF has remained consistent with LeT's goals and tactics, including coordinated attacks on security personnel, targeted killings of civilians, and spreading radical propaganda online. What Comes Next? The TRF designation underscores the Biden-Trump continuity in foreign policy regarding terrorism, especially in South Asia. With this legal action, the US joins India in recognising and neutralising TRF's role as a terror front, effectively isolating it on the international stage. Further updates to the Federal Register will reflect the amended FTO designation, making the measures legally enforceable and binding under US law. This move is likely to prompt renewed international scrutiny of Pakistan's continued harbouring of terror groups and will serve as a deterrent for future attempts to mask its terrorist proxies by using aliases. The author is Editor, Brighter Kashmir, author, TV commentator, political analyst and columnist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. tags : donald trump Lashkar-e-Taiba Pahalgam attack the resistance front United states First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Mint
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Mint
‘Enforcing Trump's call for justice': Read full statement as US designates LeT proxy TRF as terrorist organisation
The United States designated The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), as a foreign terrorist organisation. The TRF had claimed responsibility for the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22 that had killed 26 people. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio released a detailed statement in this regard on July 17. Read full statement here: "Today, the Department of State is adding The Resistance Front (TRF) as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). TRF, a Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) front and proxy, claimed responsibility for the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack which killed 26 civilians. This was the deadliest attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks conducted by LeT. TRF has also claimed responsibility for several attacks against Indian security forces, including most recently in 2024. These actions taken by the Department of State demonstrates the Trump Administration's commitment to protecting our national security interests, countering terrorism, and enforcing President Trump's call for justice for the Pahalgam attack. TRF and other associated aliases have been added to LeT's designation as a FTO and SDGT pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, respectively. The Department of State has also reviewed and maintained the FTO designation of LeT. Amendments to FTO designations go into effect upon publication in the Federal Register." The Resistance Front, also known as Kashmir Resistance, initially took responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack before denying it days later, Reuters reported. Twenty-six people were killed in the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. India's National Investigation Agency has identified TRF head Sheikh Sajjad Gul as the mastermind of the attack, news agency PTI reported. TRF is said to be an offshoot of Pakistan based-Lashkar-e-Taiba. Rubio called TRF, which emerged in 2019, a "front and proxy" for Lashkar-e-Taiba. Lashkar-e-Taiba, listed as a "foreign terrorist organization" by the United States, is an Islamist group accused of plotting attacks in India and in the West, including the three-day deadly assault on Mumbai in November 2008.
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
What is The Resistance Front? Lashkar's proxy who claimed responsibility for Pahalgam attack; now, a US-designated terror group
Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam (File photo) The United States on Thursday designated The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the banned Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). The TRF -- the group responsible for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people. The US department of state, led by secretary Marco Rubio , said in a statement that TRF is a Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy and front, and that it had claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack. The statement said the group has also carried out multiple assaults on Indian security forces, including as recently as 2024. "Today, the Department of State is adding The Resistance Front (TRF) as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). TRF, a Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) front and proxy, claimed responsibility for the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack which killed 26 civilians. This was the deadliest attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks conducted by LeT. TRF has also claimed responsibility for several attacks against Indian security forces, including most recently in 2024," the statement read. The statement added that the action reflects the Trump administration's commitment to protecting national security, countering terrorism, and enforcing US President Donald Trump's call for justice for the Pahalgam attack. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo TRF and its aliases have been added under LeT's designation as an FTO and SDGT, under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, respectively. The department of state also reaffirmed the FTO status of Lashkar-e-Tayyiba. What is The Resistance Front (TRF)? The Resistance Front was formed in 2019 as a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba and was banned by the central government in 2023. It has been actively involved in recruiting youth online, facilitating the infiltration of terrorists, and smuggling weapons and narcotics from Pakistan into Jammu and Kashmir. TRF had also claimed responsibility for several attacks targeting civilians, political leaders, and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir. Its founder and commander, Sheikh Sajjad Gul, has been designated a terrorist under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. According to security agencies, TRF's operations are backed by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), which uses the group as part of its strategy to keep the Kashmir region unstable. The April 22 attack, carried out in the Baisaran Valley, a popular tourist destination often called "mini Switzerland" -- is being described as the worst terror strike on civilians in Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama bombing.
News18
18-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
'Zero Tolerance For Terrorism': India Welcomes US Move To Designate TRF As Foreign Terrorist Group
Termed as a proxy of Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, TRF has been actively involved in orchestrating terror operations, including the April 22 attack on civilians in Pahalgam. In a strong reaffirmation of India-US counter-terrorism cooperation, New Delhi has welcomed the US State Department's decision to designate The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. Termed as a proxy of Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, TRF has been actively involved in orchestrating terror operations, including the April 22 attack on civilians in Pahalgam. The move signals a unified global stance against terrorism, with both nations reinforcing their shared commitment to eliminate safe havens for terror networks and maintain regional peace and security. The US Department of State officially added The Resistance Front to its list of designated FTOs and SDGTs. A known front for Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, TRF claimed responsibility for the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, one of the deadliest such attacks on Indian soil since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. TRF has also been linked to several attacks on Indian security forces in recent years, including in 2024. In a statement, the US government said that the decisive action by the Department of State underscores the Trump Administration's resolve to protect national security interests, hold terrorists accountable, and respond firmly to the Pahalgam attack. TRF, along with its associated aliases, has been added under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, aligning with existing designations against LeT. 'These amendments will take effect upon their publication in the Federal Register," added the statement. view comments First Published: July 18, 2025, 07:37 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
