The United States has reaffirmed its support for Pakistan following recent militant attacks in Balochistan, emphasizing the importance of bringing the perpetrators to justice.
In a statement posted on X, the US State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) said it stands “steadfast with Pakistan” in response to the attacks, describing them as “horrific.” The bureau highlighted that the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) remains a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).
The BLA, along with its alias the Majeed Brigade, was added to the US FTO list in August last year. According to US regulations, FTO designations are issued under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and are intended to curtail financial and operational support for terrorist activities while pressuring such groups to abandon terrorism.
“We support Pakistan’s efforts to hold those responsible for these violent attacks accountable,” the SCA added.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s security forces concluded Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1 in Balochistan on Thursday, eliminating 216 terrorists over the course of a multi-day intelligence-led campaign, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The operation was launched in response to coordinated attacks across Balochistan on January 31, which disrupted daily life in several areas. ISPR stated that the operation specifically targeted Indian-sponsored terrorist elements operating in the province.
The recent violence resulted in 36 civilian casualties, including women and children, while 22 security personnel also lost their lives. Authorities recovered a significant cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives during the clearance operations.
The attacks have drawn condemnation from the United Nations, which called for accountability and stressed the need to address the ongoing threat posed by terrorist groups in the region.