Latest news with #SaifullahKhalid
India.com
03-06-2025
- General
- India.com
JeM Terrorist Abdul Aziz Esar, Who Threatened India, Dies Mysteriously In Pakistan: Report
It seems that Pakistan is getting aftershocks of Operation Sindoor every other day. Every other day a new report or satellite image is made public which adds salt to Pakistan's injury and humiliation. Now, in a fresh setback, a top Jaish-e-Mohammed commander, who has round-the-clock security, has been found dead under mysterious circumstances in Pakistan. Terrorist Abdul Aziz Esar, who recently delivered a fresh anti-India speech threatening Delhi, has now been found dead under mysterious circumstances in Pakistan, according to multiple media reports. Notably, this is the second such incident in a fortnight. Earlier on May 17, Lashkar-e-Taiba's top terrorist Saifullah Khalid was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Pakistan's Sindh. Notably, JeM is rattled with India's Operation Sindoor in which the Indian Armed Forces targeted nine terror camps on May 7. "India successfully destroyed nine major terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), targeting Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen facilities. Over 100 terrorists were killed in action," said the Government of India. During the Operation Sindoor, India redefined the rules of engagement, striking deep into Pakistan's heartland, including Punjab province and Bahawalpur, once considered out of bounds even for US drones. India made it clear: neither the LoC nor Pakistani territory will remain untouched if terror originates from there. Bahawalpur is the main base camp of Jaish-e-Mohammed. The Indian Armed Forces launched coordinated and accurate missile strikes on 9 terrorist bases - 4 located in Pakistan (including Bahawalpur and Muridke) and 5 in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (such as Muzaffarabad and Kotli). These locations were key command centers of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), responsible for major attacks like Pulwama (2019) and Mumbai (2008).
India.com
03-06-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Pakistani Minister Defends LeT Commander Saifullah Khalid, Blames India For Pahalgam Terror Attack
Against the backdrop of heightened diplomatic tensions after the April 22 Pahalgam terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistani politician Malik Ahmad Khan has come to the defence of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Saifullah Khalid, who has been blamed by Indian agencies for orchestrating the attack that left 26 civilians, the majority of whom were tourists, dead. Khan, a key political leader from Pakistan's Punjab province, was observed standing next to Saifullah Khalid—alias Saifullah Kasuri—at a public rally on May 28. Talha Saeed, son of LeT founder and 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed, was present at the rally as well. In a widely shared video on social media, Malik Ahmad Khan is heard condemning India's charges against Khalid. "India, without an investigation, has formed a perception that Saifullah is responsible for the Pahalgam terror attack," he asserted, going on to allege that there is no proof to corroborate the charges. The Indian government had registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Saifullah shortly after the gruesome attack, which occurred in the picturesque hill town of Pahalgam. Witnesses described horrific details, claiming that the attackers demanded to know the victims' religion, required them to say the Islamic Kalma, and shot those who were deemed non-Muslims at point-blank range. The Resistance Front (TRF), suspected to be an LeT proxy, subsequently took responsibility for the massacre. Saifullah's Hate Speech At The Rally During the rally held in Pakistan, Saifullah Khalid gave an inciting speech wherein he praised the terrorists and referred to the terrorist killed during India's counter-attack operation as "martyrs." He also hurled venom against India, Hindus, and the incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). "I was informed that there was a terrorist attack in India on April 22, and later I came to know that India had referred to me as the mastermind," Khalid insisted. "We are not going to be intimidated by firing and bullet shots, and we want to die martyrs," he went on. Pakistan Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan defends Pahalgam mastermind Saifullah Kasuri and accuses India of being responsible for the Pahalgam terrorist attack Note : On May -28, Pak politician Malik Ahmed Khan shared the stage with Talha — Naren Mukherjee (@NMukherjee6) June 2, 2025 India's Reaction: 'Operation Sindoor' In response, the Indian military began 'Operation Sindoor' on the evening of May 7–8, targeting terrorist infrastructure across the border in Pakistan. According to Indian security sources, more than 100 terrorists were eliminated and several terror camps were reduced to rubble. The operation reflected a significant ramp-up of India's anti-terrorism strategy and brought international attention to Pakistan's repeated abuse of its territory for launching terror attacks against India. Diplomatic Fallout Public endorsement by Malik Ahmad Khan of Saifullah Khalid is also bound to further deteriorate strained relations between Islamabad and New Delhi. Indian policymakers have denounced the ongoing protection of unmapped terrorists by Pakistan and appealed to the international community to take action against the increasing impunity with which terror commanders walk freely on Pakistani soil. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs will likely release a firm diplomatic reaction in the coming days. Background: Pahalgam Massacre Date of attack: April 22, 2025 Location: Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir Casualties: 26 tourists killed, several others injured Perpetrators: The Resistance Front (TRF), affiliated with LeT Tactics: Identity-based killings; victims asked to recite religious text before being shot As global pressure is mounting, Pakistan's domestic political support for already identified terrorists remains a cause of serious concern regarding its resolve in countering extremism.
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First Post
30-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Top Lashkar terrorist Saifullah Khalid planning new front in Bangladesh: Report cites intel sources
Saifullah Khalid, a high-ranking Lashkar-e-Taiba commander and a key figure behind the Pahalgam terror attack, appeared at a public rally in Punjab, Pakistan, on Wednesday. According to top Intelligence sources, Khalid's speech at the event is being seen as a blueprint for destabilisation in the region. Intelligence sources indicate that by leveraging Lashkar-e-Taiba's state-supported infrastructure and the presence of Talha Saeed (Hafiz Saeed's son), Khalid aims to exploit political gaps in Bangladesh to initiate a new jihadist front. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In his address, Saifullah Khalid portrayed Bangladesh as a land of oppressed Muslims and called for jihad against Hindus. His speech at the Milli Muslim League rally is considered a significant threat to Bangladesh. This threat combines ideological provocation with operational directives, as Khalid provided specific targets and advocated for jihad against India, Bangladesh, and Hindus. Intelligence sources confirm that Khalid also plans to establish terror infrastructure and a hospital in Allahabad in Pakistan's Kasur, aiming to recruit Bangladeshi youth by exploiting their socioeconomic grievances. Saifullah Khalid's support for Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) cadres in Bangladesh was evident in his speech. Recent arrests of JMB handlers in Pakistan have revealed their involvement in operations against Bangladesh. JMB has already demonstrated readiness for cross-border collaboration by organising pro-Hamas rallies in Dhaka. Intelligence sources note that Lashkar-e-Taiba supports JMB with training, funding, and logistical aid, facilitated by the ISI. As LeT's deputy chief, Khalid provides JMB with resources for attacks within Bangladesh and against Indian interests in the region. Sources say his speech indicates that Lashkar-e-Taiba aims to position itself as a defender of Islamic identity against secular oppression. This indicates that, as ISI's auxiliary team, they are prepared to establish a new front in Bangladesh with local terror groups. In the video widely shared on the internet, Khalid could be heard spewing venom against India, Hindus, and the Bharatiya Janata Party. He also referred to the Pakistani terrorists killed in India's 'Operation Sindoor' as 'martyrs". 'I was informed that there was a terrorist attack in India on April 22, and later I came to know that India had referred to me as the mastermind of the attack," Khalid said at the rally, adding, 'We are not going to be scared by bullet shots and firing, and we aspire to die as martyrs." STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Khalid is the deputy chief of LeT and is known to be close to Hafiz Saeed. reports say Khalid had reached Kanganpur in Punjab, Pakistan, two months before the April 22 Pahalgam attack, in which, 26 non-Muslim tourists were shot dead by armed terrorists after being enquired about their religion.
News18
30-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
Pakistan-Backed TRF-LeT-PMML Nexus Sums Up 21st-Century Hybrid Warfare: Sources
Last Updated: This situation mirrors LeT's 2008 Mumbai attacks, executed under pseudonyms like Deccan Mujahideen, the sources said The thin line between Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and The Resistance Front (TRF) was shattered following rallies in Pakistan on May 28, Indian intelligence sources have told CNN-News18. The world must take note of these global jihadists backed by the state of Pakistan and its military leadership, they added. 'The TRF-LeT-PMML nexus epitomises 21st-century hybrid warfare, where TRF masks violence, Pakistan Markazi Muslim League spreads ideology, and the Pakistani state ensures deniability. This ecosystem is evidenced by the increasing frequency of attacks from Pahalgam to Reasi, carried out with complete deniability," said a source. This situation mirrors LeT's 2008 Mumbai attacks, executed under pseudonyms like Deccan Mujahideen, the sources said. LeT and TRF employ grey zone tactics, such as disinformation and proxy attacks, similar to Russia's hybrid warfare in Crimea, they added. 'The merging of operational roles between Lashkar and TRF marks their foray into hybrid warfare, blending kinetic terrorism with political legitimisation and state-backed impunity," a source said. 'The TRF-LeT-PMML alliance operates a successful hybrid mechanism." According to the sources, TRF functions as LeT's operational front, claiming attacks like the Pahalgam massacre, where 26 people, mostly Indian Hindus, were killed, providing LeT with deniability. Saifullah Khalid later boasted about the Pahalgam attack at a Pakistan Markazi Muslim League rally, claiming global recognition. PMML rallies are attended by LeT leaders, such as Saifullah Khalid (PMML president) and Talha Saeed (son of LeT founder Hafiz Saeed), said sources. This illustrates the merging of terrorist ideology with mainstream politics, with even the Punjab assembly speaker present on stage, they added. 'They have state approval to celebrate events like Youm-e-Takbeer, Pakistan's nuclear test day, which grants LeT legitimacy while laundering recruitment and funding through activities like blood donation camps," a source told CNN-News18. 'LeT finances TRF operations via PMML front companies and charities like Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD). Earlier US treasury designations confirm PMML as an LeT alias. Gulf donations often reach Pakistan, where ISI allocates significant funds to TRF and LeT for operations in Kashmir. TRF and LeT operate in phases, as seen in the Pahalgam attack. Phase 1: TRF claimed responsibility, framing the attack as indigenous resistance. Phase 2: LeT validation, with Khalid admitting the role at a PMML rally, and Indian intelligence tracing attackers to LeT safe houses." In June 2024, TRF claimed a bus attack on Hindu pilgrims in Reasi, but forensic analysis linked the weapons to LeT smuggling networks. This tactic of targeting minorities to incite communal conflict is similar to LeT's 2008 Mumbai strategy, said sources. Post-2019, when India abrogated Article 370 sections in Jammu and Kashmir, LeT created TRF as a secular front, sources said. Despite the branding, 80% of TRF cadres are trained in LeT's Pakistani camps, they added.
News18
30-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
LeT Terrorist Saifullah Khalid Plotting New Jihadist Front In Bangladesh, Warn Intel Sources
Last Updated: In his address in Pakistan on Wednesday, top LeT commander Saifullah Khalid portrayed Bangladesh as a land of oppressed Muslims and called for jihad against Hindus. Saifullah Khalid, a high-ranking Lashkar-e-Taiba commander and a key figure behind the Pahalgam terror attack, appeared at a public rally in Punjab, Pakistan, on Wednesday. According to top Intelligence sources, Khalid's speech at the event is being seen as a blueprint for destabilisation in the region. Intelligence sources indicate that by leveraging Lashkar-e-Taiba's state-supported infrastructure and the presence of Talha Saeed (Hafiz Saeed's son), Khalid aims to exploit political gaps in Bangladesh to initiate a new jihadist front. In his address, Saifullah Khalid portrayed Bangladesh as a land of oppressed Muslims and called for jihad against Hindus. His speech at the Milli Muslim League rally is considered a significant threat to Bangladesh. This threat combines ideological provocation with operational directives, as Khalid provided specific targets and advocated for jihad against India, Bangladesh, and Hindus. Intelligence sources confirm that Khalid also plans to establish terror infrastructure and a hospital in Allahabad in Pakistan's Kasur, aiming to recruit Bangladeshi youth by exploiting their socioeconomic grievances. Saifullah Khalid's support for Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) cadres in Bangladesh was evident in his speech. Recent arrests of JMB handlers in Pakistan have revealed their involvement in operations against Bangladesh. JMB has already demonstrated readiness for cross-border collaboration by organising pro-Hamas rallies in Dhaka. Intelligence sources note that Lashkar-e-Taiba supports JMB with training, funding, and logistical aid, facilitated by the ISI. As LeT's deputy chief, Khalid provides JMB with resources for attacks within Bangladesh and against Indian interests in the region. Sources say his speech indicates that Lashkar-e-Taiba aims to position itself as a defender of Islamic identity against secular oppression. This indicates that, as ISI's auxiliary team, they are prepared to establish a new front in Bangladesh with local terror groups. In the video widely shared on the internet, Khalid could be heard spewing venom against India, Hindus, and the Bharatiya Janata Party. He also referred to the Pakistani terrorists killed in India's 'Operation Sindoor' as 'martyrs". 'I was informed that there was a terrorist attack in India on April 22, and later I came to know that India had referred to me as the mastermind of the attack," Khalid said at the rally, adding, 'We are not going to be scared by bullet shots and firing, and we aspire to die as martyrs." Khalid is the deputy chief of LeT and is known to be close to Hafiz Saeed. reports say Khalid had reached Kanganpur in Punjab, Pakistan, two months before the April 22 Pahalgam attack, in which, 26 non-Muslim tourists were shot dead by armed terrorists after being enquired about their religion. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published:
