Fri Jul 18 00:20:33 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
Following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26, the United States has designated The Resistance Front (TRF) as a foreign terrorist organization. TRF, initially claiming responsibility for the Pahalgam attack before retracting it, is considered an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The designation comes as the Indian government accuses Pakistan of supporting militant groups involved in attacks. The situation underscores the ongoing tensions in Kashmir, fueled by India’s rule and human rights concerns, as well as the broader geopolitical rivalry between India and Pakistan.
**News Article:**
**U.S. Designates The Resistance Front as Terrorist Group After Deadly Kashmir Attack**
WASHINGTON D.C. – The United States has officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF) as a “foreign terrorist organization” following a deadly attack in April in Indian-administered Kashmir that claimed the lives of 26 people. The move comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, with India accusing its neighbor of supporting militant groups operating in the disputed region.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the designation on Thursday, stating that TRF is an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the group responsible for the devastating 2008 Mumbai attacks. TRF initially claimed responsibility for the attack in Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination, before later denying involvement.
“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,” stated the State Department. Rubio emphasized that the Pahalgam attack, targeting civilians, was the deadliest since the Mumbai attacks.
The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, swiftly condemned the Pahalgam attack, blaming Pakistan for supporting militant groups operating in Kashmir. While Pakistan has long been suspected of backing such groups, the underlying causes of unrest in Kashmir stem from India’s harsh military rule, human rights abuses and Hindu nationalists seeking greater control over the Muslim-majority region.
Following the Pahalgam attack, India and Pakistan engaged in a series of escalatory actions before agreeing to a truce. Then-President Donald Trump claimed credit for brokering the truce, although India has denied U.S. mediation. The designation of TRF as a terrorist organization further complicates the already fragile situation in Kashmir and the broader relationship between India and Pakistan.