US tags Pakistan-backed TRF as global terrorist outfit

Nearly three months after 26 tourists were gunned down by terrorists belonging to The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) front, the United States designated TRF as foreign terrorist organization (FTO) and specially designated global terrorist (SDGT).

On April 22, the tourists were gunned down, many at point blank range, in Pahalagam, Jammu and Kashmir. Before killing the tourists, the terrorists allegedly confirmed the religious identity, clearly indicating their intent to target the victims on the basis of their religion.

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In a statement issued by US Secretary Marco Rubio it was stated that 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, it added further.

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.

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, the statement read.

According to sources, the TRF was founded in October 2019 post abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. With its origin rooted in Kashmir (Pakistan-supported), it is part of its Lashkar-e-Taiba. At the behest of LeT, TRF is involved in undertaking activities pertaining to executing terror attacks, recruitment for the outfit and spreading propaganda against India.

Apart from targeting civilians, minorities, tourists, and security forces, TRF was raised by Pakistan and particularly LeT to avoid Financial Action Task Force (FATF) scrutiny and global bans along with gaining local sympathy, and masking foreign sponsorship as local resistance, as per the source.

Following the death of its founder Muhammad Abbas Sheikh, TRF is currently being headed by Sheikh Sajjad Gul. Born in 1974 Gulo hails from Srinagar and is currently operating from Pakistan. He was involved in the murder of Shujaat Bukhari, founding editor of Rising Kashmir, a Srinagar-based newspaper, grenade attacks in Central Kashmir in 2023, killing of J&K police personnel in Bijbehra in Anantnag, Gagangir, Z-Morh Tunnel attack in Ganderbal. He was designated as a terrorist by the US in April 2022 with a reward of Rs 10 lakh on his head.