Pahalgam Terror Masterminds Unmasked: LeT, JeM’s Deadly Network Exposed

Srinagar, 2nd May:  In the aftermath of the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed the lives of 26 tourists on April 22nd, security agencies have unveiled a list of terrorists involved and their network of facilitators. The list primarily includes operatives from the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror organizations active in Jammu and Kashmir.

The detailed list compiled by security agencies encompasses not only the names of the terrorists directly involved in orchestrating attacks but also their launching commanders based across the border, their handlers, and the financial channels that sustain their operations. The report by security agencies also sheds light on the modus operandi of these terror groups, outlining the command structure, lines of communication, and sources of funding.

Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) Hierarchy:

The list reveals the key figures within the Jaish-e-Mohammed:

• Maulana Masood Azhar: The chief of the Jaish-e-Mohammed.
• Mohammed Hassan: Responsible for spreading the organization’s extremist ideology.
• Maulana Sajjad Usman: Oversees the collection of funds for terrorist activities.
• Maulana Qari Masood Ahmed: In charge of disseminating propaganda.
• Mufti Asgar: Holds the position of Chief Commander.
• Safiullah: Manages the Sarkar Rehmat Trust.
• Maulana Mufti Mohammad Asghar (alias Saad Baba): Functions as the Launch Commander.
• Ibrahim Rathar: Holds a significant operational responsibility.

Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) Hierarchy and Key Operatives:

The hierarchy and key operatives within the Lashkar-e-Taiba include:

• Hafiz Muhammad Saeed: The Emir (chief) of the organization. His son, Talha Saeed, is reportedly now taking on his father’s operational roles.
• Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi: The operational commander of LeT, responsible for coordinating numerous high-profile attacks, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Although arrested and later released on bail, he was convicted in 2021. His role involves overseeing military operations, training camps, attack planning, and managing logistics.
• Adil Thokar: A locally recruited terrorist who received training in Pakistan and was reportedly involved in the Pahalgam attack.
• Sajid Mir (alias Saifullah Sajid Jutt): A key planner of the 2008 Mumbai attacks who remains at large and is wanted by the FBI. He focuses on international operations and recruitment.
• Mohammed Yahya Mujahid: The head of LeT’s media department and a spokesperson, managing propaganda and public messaging.
• Haji Muhammad Ashraf: The chief of finance, responsible for fundraising and financial logistics.
• Arif Qasmani: The chief coordinator for external dealings, facilitating connections with other terror groups like Al-Qaeda.
• Zafar Iqbal: A co-founder involved in ideological and training aspects, although less prominent in recent reports.

Front Organizations and Support Wings:

The report also highlights the front organizations used by LeT to garner support and evade scrutiny:

• Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD): Led by Hafiz Saeed, it acts as LeT’s charitable and propaganda wing, running schools, hospitals, and relief efforts. It has been declared a terrorist front by the UN and the US.
• Organizations like Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), Al Madina, and Aisar Foundation: These entities have emerged to continue JuD’s work after bans.
• Milli Muslim League (MML): A political wing formed to influence Pakistani politics but has been banned by the US as an LeT front.

Additionally, the Jamaat-e-Islami’s subcontinental hawala network is used to transfer funds across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka to finance these activities.

The identification of these terrorists and their network is a crucial step for security agencies in their efforts to dismantle the terror infrastructure and prevent future attacks in the region.