Breaking News: US Declares BLA and Majeed Brigade Terrorist Groups, Announces Oil Investment in Balochistan
Washington, Aug 13 (TheTrendingPeople.com) — In a major counterterrorism move with far-reaching geopolitical consequences, the United States has formally designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its armed wing, the Majeed Brigade, as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs). At the same time, US President Donald Trump announced that America will invest in oil exploration projects in Balochistan — a development analysts say will limit China’s ability to expand its physical security footprint in the region under the pretext of protecting the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
A Timeline of Key Developments
- July 2025 — Washington designates The Resistance Front (TRF) as both an FTO and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) group, supporting India’s position that TRF is a proxy for Lashkar-e-Taiba.
- Aug 11, 2025 — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announces the designation of BLA and Majeed Brigade as FTOs, underscoring America’s global counterterrorism stance.
- Aug 13, 2025 — President Trump unveils plans for US investment in Balochistan’s oil exploration sector, citing the region’s vast untapped resources and strategic location.
US Position: Countering Terrorism and Strategic Leverage
“The actions taken by the Department of State demonstrate the Trump Administration's commitment to countering terrorism wherever it occurs,” said Secretary Rubio in a formal statement.
John Spencer, Executive Director at the US-based Urban Warfare Institute, emphasised that these moves serve multiple US interests:
“They strengthen America’s credibility as a global leader against terrorism, counter China’s push to expand its security presence in Pakistan, safeguard US energy and mineral investments, and align US and Indian objectives in exposing Pakistan’s support for militant groups.”
Pakistan’s Double Standards in the Spotlight
Spencer’s analysis directly pointed to Islamabad’s contradictory approach:
“Pakistan continues to shelter groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, while demanding sympathy for its own insurgencies. It is a state that claims to be a victim of terrorism yet has been one of its most consistent sponsors.”
This echoes New Delhi’s long-held accusations that Pakistan uses militant groups both as proxies against India and as bargaining tools in regional politics.
Balochistan: Resource-Rich, Conflict-Ridden
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by area, borders Afghanistan, Iran, and the Arabian Sea. It is rich in natural gas, coal, copper, gold, rare earth minerals, and oil, yet remains among the most underdeveloped regions in South Asia.
With its 770-kilometre coastline and the strategic deep-water port of Gwadar, Balochistan sits at the crossroads of South Asia, the Middle East, and Central Asia — making it a natural gateway for trade routes to Central Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
China’s Stake and CPEC Security Concerns
Baloch militants, particularly the BLA, have repeatedly targeted Chinese nationals and Pakistani forces in protest against perceived exploitation of the province’s resources. In response, China has been negotiating with Pakistan for a joint security arrangement — potentially deploying its own forces, similar to its approach in Myanmar during civil unrest.
For the US, the new designations and oil investment are seen as a counter to Beijing’s growing influence. “By stepping in, Washington not only supports counterterrorism but also prevents China from using ‘security’ as a pretext to deepen its physical presence in the region,” Spencer wrote.
Why It Matters: Local and Global Impact
- For Pakistan — Increased international scrutiny of its alleged state sponsorship of terrorism.
- For India — Validation of its stance on Pakistan-backed militant groups.
- For China — A potential setback to CPEC’s long-term security plans.
- For Balochistan — Prospect of foreign investment in oil and minerals, though concerns remain over whether locals will benefit.
- For the Arabian Sea Region — Greater US presence could reshape maritime security dynamics.
Eyewitness & Expert Reactions
Mir Yar Baloch, a prominent human rights defender, welcomed the move but cautioned that economic projects must not repeat the cycle of exploitation:
“Balochistan’s people have seen decades of resource plunder without development. If the US is serious, it must ensure that investments bring jobs, schools, and hospitals — not just pipelines.”
A senior energy sector analyst in Karachi, speaking on condition of anonymity, said:
“US oil exploration will add a new layer to the Balochistan equation — geopolitics, security, and resource control will now be even more tightly intertwined.”
Final Thoughts — The Trending People
The US designations of the BLA and Majeed Brigade, paired with President Trump’s oil exploration announcement, mark a decisive shift in the geopolitical chessboard of South Asia. They bolster India’s position, apply new pressure on Pakistan, and place a check on China’s expanding influence.
Yet, the ultimate test will be whether these moves lead to genuine development and political reconciliation in Balochistan — or simply intensify the region’s already complex power struggles.