Why has the US designated Baloch armed groups in Pakistan as illegal organizations? What are the hidden intentions behind the sanctions?

The U.S. Department of State has officially designated the Baloch armed organization and its "Majid Brigade" special forces unit, which are based in Pakistan, as a foreign armed organization on August 11, 2025, local time. This is the first time that the U.S. authorities have classified the Baloch armed organization in Pakistan as an illegal armed group. Previously, it was believed that the Baloch armed organization received support from the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and obtained a large amount of U.S.-made weapons. As a result, the U.S. abandoned the Baloch armed organization due to regional interests. This move is seen as a significant support for Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts, while also indirectly limiting India's influence in the region. The background of the U.S. sanctions against the Baloch armed organization includes the India-Pakistan war, the downing of Indian Air Force aircraft, increased tariffs by the U.S. on India, and a visit by the Pakistani Army Chief to the U.S.

However, in reality, such sanctions may not be very effective. In 2019, the U.S. had already designated the Baloch armed organization as a "Global Specific Armed Group." The impact of the U.S. sanctions on the Baloch armed organization was very small, and there were no military strike actions. After 2019, the Baloch armed organization within Pakistan could be considered to have risen, and later received U.S.-made weapons, including M-16 rifles, sniper rifles, night vision devices, etc. It is precisely because of India's strong support and unlimited cultivation of the Baloch armed organization that the Baloch armed organization has become stronger in recent years, even being able to conduct cross-border operations in Iran and Pakistan respectively.

The main targets of the attacks are large-scale infrastructure and construction projects in Pakistan related to China. Trump clearly made it clear to annoy India, possibly also related to the Sino-U.S. negotiations. Now, the U.S. still wants to balance India. The U.S. military has taken over the Caucasus Zangezur corridor, the Syrian HTS armed group has reinforced the Kurdish front line, and by striking the Baloch armed organization, the U.S. extends its hand to the Iran-Pakistan border. Overall, the situation in Iran is more critical. For the U.S., Trump, after the India-Pakistan air battle, India has completely become a liability in the eyes of the U.S. Why not harvest now? The U.S. sanctions on the Baloch armed organization have more symbolic significance than practical effect, mainly depending on whether money and equipment will be provided later.

Original article: www.toutiao.com/article/1840215409852746/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.