What is The Resistance Front? Lashkar's proxy who claimed responsibility for Pahalgam attack; now, a US-designated terror group
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Deccan Herald
24 minutes ago
- Deccan Herald
Muslim bodies urge govt to ensure end of 'Israeli aggression' in Gaza
In a joint statement, prominent Muslim organisations and Islamic scholars called on both the Indian government and global powers to intervene and stop the 'continuing atrocities' in Gaza.
Time of India
24 minutes ago
- Time of India
Will Trump Free Ghislaine Maxwell? His Cryptic Response Sparks Frenzy
Roy Black, Tied To Epstein, Dies Amid Rising Trump-Jeffrey Speculation Renowned Miami defense attorney Roy Black passed away at 80 in Coral Gables, Florida, after battling an undisclosed illness. Widely regarded as a legal titan, Black remained active at his law firm until his final days. Following news of his death, conspiracy theories exploded online, with many linking it to his past ties with Jeffrey Epstein. Viral posts claim it's 'no coincidence,' calling it another piece removed from the board. His wife, Lea Black, confirmed the passing and promised a public tribute soon. Black gained national fame after defending William Kennedy Smith in a historic televised rape trial and later represented high-profile names like Justin Bieber, Rush Limbaugh, Helio Castroneves, and Epstein. He is survived by his wife and two children, RJ and Nora, marking the end of an era in American legal circles. 1.5K views | 2 days ago
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
'Why Isn't He Paying?' Trump's Golf Visit To Cost Scottish Taxpayers
Turnberry: It may not be typical golf attire, but one of the most ubiquitous outfits seen on US President Donald Trump 's golf course Friday ahead of his visit was the reflective yellow vest worn by Scottish police. The standard issue garb that is far removed from the traditional Turnberry tartan was highly visible on the dunes, the beaches and the grass as thousands of officers secured the course in advance of protests planned during the president's visit to two of his Scottish golf resorts. Trump was expected to arrive Friday evening to a mix of respect and ridicule. His visit requires a major police operation that will cost Scottish taxpayers millions of pounds as protests are planned over the weekend. The union representing officers is concerned they are already overworked and will be diverted from their normal duties and some residents are not happy about the cost. "Why isn't he paying for it himself? He's coming for golf, isn't he?" said Merle Fertuson, a solo protester in Edinburgh holding a hand-drawn cardboard sign that featured a foolishly grinning Trump likeness in a tuxedo. "It's got nothing whatsoever to do with public money, either US or UK" Policing for Trump's four-day visit to the UK in 2018 cost more than 14 million pounds ($19 million), according to Freedom of Information figures. That included more than 3 million pounds ($4 million) spent for his two-day golf trip to Turnberry, the historic course and hotel in southwest Scotland that he bought in 2014. Police Scotland would not discuss how many officers were being deployed for operational reasons and only said the costs would be "considerable." "The visit will require a significant police operation using local, national and specialist resources from across Police Scotland, supported by colleagues from other UK police forces as part of mutual aid arrangements," Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond said. Scottish First Minister John Swinney said the visit would not be detrimental to policing. "It's nonsensical to say it won't impact it," said David Kennedy, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, the officers' union. Kennedy said he expects about 5,000 officers to take part in the operation. He said a force reduction in recent years has police working 12-hour shifts. Communities that are understaffed will be left behind with even fewer officers during Trump's visit. "We want the president of the United States to be able to come to Scotland. That's not what this is about," Kennedy said. "It's the current state of the police service and the numbers we have causes great difficulty." The Stop Trump Scotland group has planned demonstrations Saturday in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dumfries. The group encouraged people to "show Trump exactly what we think of him in Scotland." Trump should receive a much warmer welcome from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is expected to meet with him during the visit. Swinney, the left-leaning head of Scottish government and former Trump critic, also plans to meet with the president.
