In a significant development and a setback for Pakistan, the United States has designated The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). The announcement follows the April 22, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians — the deadliest civilian attack in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
In a statement on Friday, the U.S. State Department confirmed that TRF had initially claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack by Terror before retracting its statement days later, alleging the claim was the result of a hack by Indian intelligence agencies. This denial came shortly after Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif claimed that the TRF did not exist and asserted that Let was “extinct.”
Despite Pakistan’s attempts to distance itself from the group, the U.S. reaffirmed that TRF is a front for Let, and has been responsible for multiple attacks on Indian security forces, including several deadly strikes in 2024. “These actions underscore the Trump administration’s resolve to counter terrorism and uphold national security, as well as President Trump’s demand for justice for the victims of the Pahalgam attack,” the statement said.
India has welcomed the U.S. decision, calling it a “timely and important step” that highlights the close cooperation between New Delhi and Washington in combating terrorism. The Ministry of External Affairs also expressed appreciation for the leadership of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in taking the decision.
The TRF was formed in 2019 by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) during a period of intense scrutiny from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). To create the illusion of indigenous resistance in Kashmir and evade international pressure, Pakistan rebranded Terror outfits with non-Islamic-sounding names. TRF was established as a front for Let, while the People’s Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF) served as a cover for Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM).
Though TRF functions as a distinct name, Indian intelligence agencies and global counter-terrorism bodies have confirmed that its leadership and infrastructure are tied to Let. Hafiz Saeed, the globally sanctioned founder of Let, remains its ideological head, while operational command reportedly lies with Sajid Gul.
Inside TRF and Let Leadership: Key Figures Behind the Terror Network
The Resistance Front (TRF), though projected as an indigenous outfit, is tightly controlled by Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) leadership based in Pakistan. Sajid Gul, originally from Srinagar, serves as TRF’s operational head. He reportedly traveled to Pakistan using an Indian passport and later joined Let. Gul, who also goes by the alias Saifullah Khalid, is believed to reside in Islamabad’s Burma Town, while his son studies at the Army School in Rawalpindi.
Within the TRF structure, Umar Sofian oversees operations in the Jammu region, and Abu Anas commands activities in Kashmir. Abdul Aziz Alvi, a Pakistani national, acts as the chief coordinator for Kashmir operations.
Despite TRF’s on-ground commanders, the group’s strategic direction is dictated by Let’s top brass in Pakistan. Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, Let’s military chief and mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attacks by Terror, supervises overall planning, training camps, and logistical coordination. Although arrested after the Mumbai attacks, Lakhvi was granted bail in 2015 and later convicted in 2021. Despite his conviction, videos of him freely moving in Pakistan surfaced last year, raising serious concerns about Pakistan’s commitment to counter-terrorism.
Following Lakhvi in the Let hierarchy is Sajid Mir, also known as Saifullah Sajid Jutt. A key figure behind the Mumbai attacks, Mir is on the FBI’s most-wanted list for his role in international terror plots and recruitment.
Mohammed Yahya Mujahid heads Let’s media and propaganda wing, crafting its public messaging. Haji Muhammad Ashraf handles the group’s finances, raising and managing funds through fronts like Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD).
Arif Qasmani serves as Let’s liaison for external coordination, including ties with terror groups such as al-Qaeda. Zafar Iqbal, a co-founder of Let, plays a pivotal role in ideological indoctrination and training operations.
