Pak-based TRF, Behind J&K Attack, to Shift Base as US Declares it Terror Outfit: Reports
The recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has left the nation in shock, with 26 people losing their lives. The attack was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) offshoot, which has been suspected of receiving support from Pakistan’s military establishment. In a significant development, the United States has now declared TRF a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).
As a result of the US designation, TRF is likely to face severe financial and logistical constraints, forcing it to shift its base from Muridke to Bahawalpur in Pakistan, reports said. The move is seen as a strategic decision to distance itself from the US sanctions and maintain its operational capabilities in the region.
The TRF, which was formed in 2020, is a proxy of LeT, a Pakistan-based militant group responsible for numerous terrorist attacks in India, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The group’s primary objective is to disrupt the peace process in Jammu and Kashmir and create unrest in the region.
The Pahalgam attack, which occurred on July 9, was one of the deadliest in recent years, with the TRF claiming responsibility for the attack. The group’s operatives sprayed bullets on a group of tourists and local residents, leaving 26 people dead and several others injured.
The US designation of TRF as a terrorist organization is a significant development, as it acknowledges the group’s responsibility for the Pahalgam attack and recognizes its ties with LeT and the Pakistan military. The move is seen as a step towards countering the growing threat of terrorism in the region and holding Pakistan accountable for its role in supporting terrorist groups.
The US designation of TRF as an FTO and SDGT means that all assets of the group, including its financial resources, are now subject to seizure. The move also bans US citizens from engaging in any transactions with the group and its affiliates.
The TRF’s shift to Bahawalpur is seen as a move to evade US sanctions and maintain its operational capabilities in the region. Bahawalpur is a city in southern Punjab, known for its close ties with the Pakistan military and its role as a hub for terrorist groups.
The TRF’s move is also seen as a response to the growing pressure from the US and other countries to curb the activities of terrorist groups operating from Pakistan. The group’s shift to a new base is likely to be seen as a strategic decision to adapt to the changing landscape and maintain its operational capabilities.
The Pahalgam attack has raised concerns about the growing threat of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, which has seen a surge in violence in recent years. The attack has also highlighted the need for sustained efforts to counter the spread of terrorism in the region and hold Pakistan accountable for its role in supporting terrorist groups.
In conclusion, the US designation of TRF as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation and Specially Designated Global Terrorist is a significant development, as it acknowledges the group’s responsibility for the Pahalgam attack and recognizes its ties with LeT and the Pakistan military. The TRF’s shift to Bahawalpur is seen as a strategic decision to evade US sanctions and maintain its operational capabilities in the region. The development is likely to have significant implications for the region, as it highlights the need for sustained efforts to counter the spread of terrorism and hold Pakistan accountable for its role in supporting terrorist groups.
