Where did he get training, where is he now... how dangerous is Pahalgam attack mastermind Hashim Musa?

India.com

30-04-2025

Where did he get training, where is he now... how dangerous is Pahalgam attack mastermind Hashim Musa?
Hashim Musa has been identified as the mastermind behind the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. According to sources, Hashim Musa, who was identified as the mastermind behind the killing of 26 people in Pahalgam, had received high level para-commando training in Pakistan, which effectively helped him in terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
Musa is believed to be in his 20s and is reportedly a former soldier who had infiltrated into Indian territory through the Kathua and Samba sectors.
Where and how did Hashim Musa get training?
After infiltration, he became active in the Dera Ki Gali area of ​​Rajouri-Poonch, where his Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) module is suspected to have plotted several attacks on security forces last year. Pakistani para-commandos, specially trained by the Special Services Group (SSG), are known for their expertise in unconventional warfare, survival tactics and mountain warfare.
The training includes high-level operations, close-quarters combat (CQB), navigation in dangerous terrain and advanced rescue techniques, all of which are seen in Musa's operations. According to sources in the security grid, the group's behaviour on the ground points to a high level of combat rigour and training. The militants have successfully evaded police and army patrols and have been constantly moving through rugged mountainous jungles, avoiding contact with civilians.
Another sign of professional military training is the use of advanced weapons, including the M4 carbine, during the Pahalgam attack. These weapons require special skills to handle and maintain, which are usually acquired through formal military training.
Sources confirmed that the modus operandi of the group clearly shows that Hashim Musa possibly received high level training from Pakistan's Special Forces, making his network more dangerous and difficult to neutralise.