Latest news with #SaifullahKhalid
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First Post
a day ago
- 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
a day ago
- 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
2 days ago
- 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:
News18
3 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Pahalgam Attack Mastermind Shares Stage With Politician At Pakistan Rally, Spews Venom Against India
Last Updated: Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Saifullah Khalid, mastermind of the Pahalgam terror attack, was seen addressing a public rally in Pakistan's Punjab under army protection. Saifullah Kasuri, alias Khalid, a top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander and the mastermind behind the Pahalgam terror attack, was on Wednesday spotted at a public rally in Pakistan's Punjab. According to multiple reports, Pakistani politician Malik Ahmad Khan was also seen sharing the stage with Khalid. Videos, widely shared on the internet, showed Saifullah Khalid addressing a rally, while the Pakistani army provided him full protection. Talha Saeed, the son of LeT founder and Mumbai terror attacks mastermind, Hafiz Saeed, was also present at the rally. In the video, Saifullah 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 could be heard saying at the rally. 'We are not going to be scared by bullet shots and firing, and we aspire to die as martyrs," he said. Khalid, who gets full support of Pakistan, is a 'favourite asset' of the Pakistani army officers, and roams freely there. He is also infamous for giving several Jihadi speeches. Khalid has been instigating the Pakistani army and brainwashing the youth, reports added. For the Pahalgam terror attack, it was learnt that Khalid reached Kanganpur in Punjab, Pakistan, two months before. A large battalion of the Pakistani army is generally present there. As many as 26 tourists were shot dead by armed terrorists in Pahalgam on April 22. Survivors later said the terrorists had asked them about their faith, and shot dead those who said they were non-Muslims. The terrorists also asked the tourists to recite a ' Kalma ' (an Islamic phrase) to confirm if they were non-Muslims, before shooting them point-blank. Later, The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, co-founded by Hafiz Saeed, claimed responsibility for the attack. In response, India, on the intervening night of May 7 and 8, launched 'Operation Sindoor' against Pakistan and destroyed multiple terror targets there. More than 100 terrorists, taking shelter in Pakistan, were also killed in the operation. 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:
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First Post
19-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Saifullah Khalid: Who's the Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist, mastermind of 2006 attack on RSS headquarters, killed in Pakistan?
Saifullah Khalid, who went by several aliases including Razaullah Nizamani Khalid, has reportedly been shot dead by three unknown assailants in Pakistan's Sindh province. The Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander was behind three major terror attacks in India, including the 2006 attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters at Nagpur read more Saifullah Khalid, a dreaded terrorist behind several major terror attacks in India, has been killed. A commander of Hafiz Saeed's Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), he was reportedly shot dead by unknown assailants in Pakistan's Sindh province on Sunday (May 18). Also known as Vinode Kumar, Khalid was the head of the Nepal terror module. His death adds to the series of mysterious killings of high-profile terrorists in Pakistan in recent years. But what terror attacks was he responsible for in India? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We will explain. Who is Saifullah Khalid? Saifullah Khalid, who used many aliases including Mohammed Salim, was the mastermind of the terror attack on the headquarters of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at Nagpur in 2006. All three terrorists were shot dead in an encounter with the police. Before the RSS attack, Khalid was accused of plotting the shooting at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru in 2005. IIT professor Munish Chandra Puri was killed and four others were injured in the terror attack. The terrorists were, however, successful in fleeing the scene. After the police investigation, Lashkar terrorist Abu Anas, a close associate of Khalid, was chargesheeted. Anas remains at large. Khalid, alias Razaullah Nizamani Khalid, was also behind the attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp at Rampur in Uttar Pradesh in 2008. Seven CRPF personnel and a civilian had died in the terror attack. The two terrorists had escaped in the darkness. Khalid became the head of the LeT's Nepal module around mid-2000. He was responsible for recruiting cadres, providing financial and logistic support and enabling the movement of LeT operatives across the Indo-Nepal border, reported PTI. According to India Today, the LeT commander married a local woman, Nagma Banu, in Nepal when he was living there under a false identity. Khalid reportedly collaborated with Lashkar's 'launching commanders' — Azam Cheema, alias Babaji, and the terror group's chief accountant, Yaqoob. According to ThePrint's sources, Khalid shifted back to Pakistan after Indian intelligence exposed the Nepal module of the LeT. There he worked with several leaders of the LeT and Jamaat-ud-Dawah, including Yusuf Muzammil, LeT commander for Jammu and Kashmir, Muzammil Iqbal Hashmi and Muhammad Yusuf Taibi. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Khalid was also assigned to recruit cadres from the Badin and Hyderabad districts of Pakistan's Sindh, along with collecting funds for the terror organisation. Lashkar's Saifullah Khalid shot dead Saifullah Khalid was reportedly killed by three unknown gunmen in the city of Badin. 'He left his residence at Matli this afternoon and was gunned down by assailants near a crossing at Badni in Sindh province,' officials in New Delhi told PTI on Sunday. Khalid was declared brought dead at a hospital in Sindh, with reports saying it was a case of personal enmity. Mysterious killings of terrorists in Pakistan There has been a surge in unexplained killings of high-profile terrorists in Pakistan in recent years. In March this year, Hafiz Saeed 's close aide, Abu Qatal, was allegedly shot dead by unknown assailants in the Jhelum district of Pakistan's Punjab province. The 43-year-old LeT commander was reported to be Saeed's nephew. Following his murder, the security of Saeed was increased. Sheikh Jameel-ur-Rehman, the self-styled secretary general of the United Jihad Council, was found dead in mysterious circumstances in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Abbottabad in March 2024. Another terrorist was killed by unknown assailants in Pakistan. Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist Shahid Latif, believed to be the mastermind behind the 2016 Pathankot attack, was gunned down in Sialkot in October 2023. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Dawood Malik, a known aide of India's wanted terrorist Maulana Masood Azhar , was shot dead in North Waziristan by unidentified gunmen days before Latif's killing. Two motorbike-borne assailants shot dead Maulana Ziaur Rehman in Pakistan's Karachi in September 2023. He radicalised youth to take up arms and wage jihad against India. The same month, Abu Qasim Kashmiri was assassinated by unknown men while praying inside the Al-Qudus mosque in Rawalakot. He was believed to be the main plotter of the Dhangri attack in Rajouri district that killed seven and injured another 13. In August 2023, Sardar Hussain Arain, Hafiz Saeed's associate, was killed in Qazi Ahmad town in Sindh's Shaheed Benazirabad district. Paramjit Singh Panjwar, a Pakistan-based Khalistani terrorist, was shot dead by two unidentified gunmen in Lahore in May 2023. Bashir Ahmad Peer alias Imtiyaz Alam, a close aide of Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin, was killed at point-blank range by the assailants outside a shop in Rawalpindi in February 2023. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A week later, former Al-Badr Mujahideen commander Syed Khalid Raza was shot dead in Karachi by unknown men on bikes. In March 2022, Zahoor Mistry, one of the hijackers of Indian Airlines flight IC 814, was killed by two bike-borne assailants in Karachi's Akhtar colony. With inputs from agencies
