Latest news with #LeT
India.com
14 hours ago
- India.com
JeM Terror Recruitment Module Busted In Jammu And Kashmir; 10 Detained
A terror recruitment and financing module operated by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) commander Abdullah Ghazi, alias Shaukat Ali, from Rawalpindi, Pakistan, has been busted. Ten individuals have been detained for questioning. The Counter-Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) traced suspicious technical signatures through a specific encrypted messaging application widely used by terrorists and their handlers for coordinating, financing, and executing terror activities during today's raids. The investigation revealed that Ghazi was in continuous contact with local Kashmiri youth, attempting to radicalise them for recruitment into JeM and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Raids were conducted at 10 locations with a focus on disrupting a terrorist sleeper cell and recruitment module. Sleeper cells consist of individuals who blend into society, often without the knowledge of family or friends and engage in covert activities such as target killings, grenade attacks, or distributing terrorist propaganda. During the raids, several documents and digital devices, including mobile phones, were seized, providing critical evidence to unravel the terror network. Ten suspects were detained for allegedly using encrypted apps to coordinate with handlers across the border. The operation highlighted a shift in terror strategy toward 'Cyber Jihad,' where Pakistan-based operatives use encrypted apps, proxy numbers (including Indian ones), and virtual identities to radicalize youth. The process involves identifying vulnerable individuals on public platforms, then shifting to encrypted apps for mission assignments such as surveillance, arms transport, target selection and luring them with promises of financial rewards and religious justification. This is the fifth major digital terror module dismantled by CIK, following similar operations against Pakistan-based terrorist handlers. With declining local recruitment, Pakistan-based terror groups like JeM and LeT have increasingly relied on digital platforms for radicalising and recruiting Kashmiri youth into terror organisations.
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First Post
16 hours ago
- Politics
- First Post
'We don't consider TRF illegal': Pakistan openly backs outfit that US designated as terrorist
Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has openly supported The Resistance Front (TRF), a terrorist group tied to the deadly Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, after the US labelled it a Foreign Terrorist Organisation read more During a fiery speech in the Pakistani Parliament, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar openly defended The Resistance Front (TRF), a Pakistan-sponsored terrorist group tied to the deadly Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir and known as a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). This came a day after the United States designated TRF as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation on Friday (July 18), triggering concerns in Islamabad. Dar revealed that Pakistan, leveraging its position as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, successfully blocked any mention of TRF in the UNSC's condemnation of the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pak Deputy PM Ishaq Dar rejected TRF involvement in the Pahalgam attack and said : 'Alhamdulillah we are the non permanent member of don't consider TRF as the evidence that TRF has carried out the Pahalgam attack or show the ownership of TRF... We… — OsintTV 📺 (@OsintTV) July 18, 2025 'We opposed the mention of TRF in the UNSC statement. I got calls from global capitals, but Pakistan will not accept,' Dar declared. 'TRF was deleted, and Pakistan prevailed.' He went further, challenging the accusations against TRF. 'We don't consider TRF illegal. Show us proof they carried out the Pahalgam attack. Show ownership by TRF. We won't accept the allegation, and TRF had to be deleted from the UN press release,' Dar insisted, despite TRF publicly claiming responsibility for the attack and intelligence from both the US and India linking the group to LeT's infrastructure. US labels TRF as a terror outfit Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in announcing TRF's designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT), outlined the group's actions and the financial sanctions that would restrict its support networks. 'TRF, a Lashkar-e-Taiba front and proxy, claimed responsibility for the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack which killed 26 civilians,' the State Department said. 'TRF has also claimed responsibility for several attacks against Indian security forces, including most recently in 2024.' Rubio described the Pahalgam attack as 'the deadliest assault on civilians in India since 2008' and emphasised that 'these actions demonstrate the Trump administration's commitment to protecting our national security interests and seeking justice for victims of terrorism.' India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar praised the US decision, calling it a 'strong affirmation of India-US counter-terrorism cooperation.' In a post on X, he wrote, 'Appreciate SecRubio and @StateDept for designating TRF, a Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) proxy, as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). It claimed responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam attack. Zero tolerance for terrorism.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A strong affirmation of India-US counter-terrorism cooperation. Appreciate @SecRubio and @StateDept for designating TRF—a Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) proxy—as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). It claimed responsibility for the… — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 18, 2025
NDTV
17 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
'Show Proof They Carried Out Pahalgam Attack': Pak Deputy PM Ishaq Dar Openly Supports TRF
During a speech at the Pakistani Parliament, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar openly defended The Resistance Front (TRF). On 18th July, the United States designated TRF as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation. TRF is a Pakistan-sponsored terrorist group linked to the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. It is also a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Dar said that Pakistan, as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, intervened to block the mention of TRF in the UNSC's condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22nd, that killed 26 civilians. "We opposed the mention of TRF in the UNSC statement. I got calls from global capitals, but Pakistan will not accept," Dar said. "TRF was deleted, and Pakistan prevailed." Pak Deputy PM Ishaq Dar rejected TRF involvement in the Pahalgam attack and said : 'Alhamdulillah we are the non permanent member of don't consider TRF as the evidence that TRF has carried out the Pahalgam attack or show the ownership of TRF... We… — OsintTV 📺 (@OsintTV) July 18, 2025 He further added, "We don't consider TRF illegal. Show us proof they carried out the Pahalgam attack. Show ownership by TRF. We won't accept the allegation, and TRF had to be deleted from the UN press release." He said this despire TRF's own public claim of responsibility and intelligence confirmation from both -- the US and India, linking the group to LeT's infrastructure. In a statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that TRF would be designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT), and would face financial sanctions, restricting its access to support from individuals and entities under American jurisdiction. "TRF, a Lashkar-e-Taiba front and proxy, claimed responsibility for the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack which killed 26 civilians," the State Department said. "TRF has also claimed responsibility for several attacks against Indian security forces, including most recently in 2024." Rubio associated TRF to the Pahalgam attack and called it "the deadliest assault on civilians in India since 2008." "These actions demonstrate the Trump administration's commitment to protecting our national security interests and seeking justice for victims of terrorism," Rubio said. External affairs minister S Jaishankar welcomed the US decision and termed the move "strong affirmation of India-US counter-terrorism cooperation." A strong affirmation of India-US counter-terrorism cooperation. Appreciate @SecRubio and @StateDept for designating TRF—a Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) proxy—as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). It claimed responsibility for the… — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 18, 2025 "Appreciate SecRubio and @StateDept for designating TRF, a Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) proxy, as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). It claimed responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam attack. Zero tolerance for terrorism," Jaishankar posted on his social media platform X.
News18
18 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
Why US Designating Pakistan's Lashkar Proxy TRF As ‘Foreign Terrorist Organisation' Matters
The designation follows TRF claiming responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians—the deadliest such attack in India since the 2008 Mumbai carnage In a decisive move aimed at countering terrorism in South Asia, the US Department of State has officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). The designation follows TRF's claim of responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians—the deadliest such attack in India since the 2008 Mumbai carnage. The TRF, widely known as a proxy and front of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has emerged in recent years as a dangerous player in orchestrating violence in Jammu & Kashmir. According to US officials, the group is responsible not only for the Pahalgam massacre, but also for multiple attacks on Indian security forces. In a statement released by the US Department of State, it was clarified that TRF and its aliases are now added to LeT's designation under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, which targets terrorists and those providing support to acts of terrorism. 'These actions demonstrate the Trump administration's commitment to protecting our national security interests, countering terrorism, and enforcing President Donald Trump's call for justice for the Pahalgam attack," the statement noted. The US State Department also confirmed that it has reviewed and reaffirmed the designation of LeT as an FTO, ensuring that all associated entities, including TRF, are brought under the full scope of counter-terror sanctions. Strategic Implications and Global Cooperation The move is being widely interpreted as a strong signal of support to India in its fight against cross-border terrorism. It also serves as a broader indication of the deepening India-US counterterrorism cooperation, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, where geopolitical tensions are mounting. India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar welcomed the decision, calling it a 'strong affirmation of US-India counter-terrorism ties". In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote: 'Appreciate Secretary Rubio and @StateDept for designating TRF, a Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) proxy, as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). It claimed responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam attack. Zero tolerance for terrorism." The designation brings with it significant legal and financial implications. It prohibits any US persons or entities from knowingly providing material support to TRF and allows for the seizure of its assets under US jurisdiction. It also enhances law enforcement efforts to counter individuals and networks associated with the group globally. Families of Victims Welcome US Move The designation was met with relief and a sense of justice by the families of the Pahalgam terror attack victims. Hyder Shah, father of Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a pony ride operator who was killed while trying to save tourists, said: 'We are very happy that TRF has been declared a terrorist organisation. They killed my child in Pahalgam. This is a step toward justice." Adil's sister echoed his sentiments, adding that all terrorist organisations should be eliminated, and expressed faith in PM Modi's leadership on the issue of national security. Background: The Rise of TRF TRF emerged in late 2019, branding itself as an indigenous outfit in Kashmir. However, intelligence reports from both Indian and international agencies have confirmed its direct linkage to LeT. Experts say TRF was created to sidestep international pressure on Pakistan and LeT by projecting terrorism in Kashmir as 'home-grown". Despite its rebranding strategy, TRF has remained consistent with LeT's goals and tactics, including coordinated attacks on security personnel, targeted killings of civilians, and spreading radical propaganda online. What Comes Next? The TRF designation underscores the Biden-Trump continuity in foreign policy regarding terrorism, especially in South Asia. With this legal action, the US joins India in recognising and neutralising TRF's role as a terror front, effectively isolating it on the international stage. Further updates to the Federal Register will reflect the amended FTO designation, making the measures legally enforceable and binding under US law. This move is likely to prompt renewed international scrutiny of Pakistan's continued harbouring of terror groups and will serve as a deterrent for future attempts to mask its terrorist proxies by using aliases. The author is Editor, Brighter Kashmir, author, TV commentator, political analyst and columnist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. tags : donald trump Lashkar-e-Taiba Pahalgam attack the resistance front United states First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
19 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
Weeks Before Crackdown On TRF, India's Vikram Misri Provided Dossier To US & UN Teams
Last Updated: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri presented irrefutable evidence tracing TRF's command structure and operational ties to the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Pakistan's intelligence services In the wake of the brutal Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, India escalated its diplomatic offensive against cross-border terrorism, pointing the global spotlight on an increasingly dangerous proxy group: The Resistance Front (TRF). The attack, one of the worst in recent years, left 26 civilians dead and reignited concerns about Pakistan-backed insurgent networks operating under new guises. Less than a month later, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri personally spearheaded the delivery of a well-documented dossier to both the United States State Department and the UN Security Council's 1267 Sanctions Committee, presenting irrefutable evidence tracing TRF's command structure and operational ties to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Pakistan's intelligence services. According to Hindustan Times, Misri, during his official visit to Washington DC from May 27 to May 29, submitted the dossier in a bid to build international consensus for designating TRF as a global terror group. The same documents were also shared with United Nations officials, asking for Sheikh Sajjad Gul—the elusive TRF leader and long-time LeT operative—to be listed under the UN's terror sanctions regime. The response from the United States was both swift and resolute. Four days before the formal notification on Thursday, India was informed of the TRF designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) entity. As Business Standard reported, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited recent attacks—most notably the Pahalgam massacre—as key reasons behind the designation. He underscored Washington's commitment to holding such actors accountable and to pursuing justice for victims of terrorism around the world. Back in India, the move was welcomed as a major diplomatic win. The Ministry of External Affairs described the designation as 'timely and important", and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar lauded the step as a 'strong message" from the US against terrorism. The Indian government emphasised that the international community must adopt a 'zero tolerance" approach when it comes to dealing with terrorism, especially when state complicity is involved, as in the case of Pakistan. The TRF came into prominence in 2019, following the revocation of Article 370, and has often been projected as a 'homegrown" insurgent group. However, extensive investigations by India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) debunk that narrative. According to The Economic Times, NIA's findings show that TRF has been functioning as a digital-first extension of LeT under the covert direction of Pakistani handlers. Online communication cells facilitated planning and coordination with militants in Kashmir while being operated remotely from Pakistan. The dossier presented by India reportedly includes evidence linking Sheikh Sajjad Gul not just to multiple terror attacks, but also to a broader effort led by LeT to fragment its identity and create newer, India-centric aliases like TRF. As per Business Standard, Gul was once imprisoned in India but managed to cross over to Pakistan, where he leveraged LeT's infrastructure and patronage to organise TRF under the guidance of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Despite Pakistan's denials, digital forensic evidence and cross-border communications logs included in the dossier indicate direct coordination between TRF's online operations and LeT's hierarchy in Rawalpindi. In the broader context, India's urgent and multi-pronged diplomacy—via direct evidence, global alliances, and sustained pressure—reflects a maturing counterterrorism strategy. Rather than merely condemning attacks, New Delhi is pushing for institutional accountability and international action. The TRF's designation marks a step forward in isolating not just the foot soldiers of terror, but the infrastructure and ideologues that incubate them. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
