Aakhir Tak – In Shorts
- Lashkar-e-Taiba’s most wanted terrorist, Abu Qatal, was murdered in Pakistan.
- Abu Qatal was known for planning multiple attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Abu Qatal was a close aide of 26/11 Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed.
- The NIA had named Abu Qatal in its chargesheet for the 2023 Rajouri attack.
- Abu Qatal was under heavy protection from the Pakistan Army.
Aakhir Tak – In Depth
Lashkar-e-Taiba’s most wanted terrorist, Abu Qatal, was murdered in Pakistan on Saturday night. Abu Qatal was a key operative of the terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba. He was known for planning multiple attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. His death is a significant blow to LeT.
According to sources, Abu Qatal, whose real name is Zia-ur-Rehman, was traveling with his security guard in the Jhelum area around 7 pm when unknown attackers opened fire. The assailants fired 15 to 20 rounds, killing Abu Qatal and one of his security guards on the spot. Another guard was critically injured.
Abu Qatal was under heavy protection from the Pakistan Army. Both Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists and plainclothes Pakistani military personnel were assigned to his security. It is believed an insider may have been involved in Abu Qatal’s murder.
Abu Qatal, who was a close aide of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed, played a crucial role in the June 9 attack. The attack targeted a bus carrying pilgrims returning from the Shiv Khori temple in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district. The attack was orchestrated under Qatal’s leadership.
It was Hafiz Saeed who appointed Abu Qatal as Lashkar’s Chief Operational Commander. Hafiz Saeed used to give orders to Abu Qatal. Abu Qatal then executed major attacks in Kashmir.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) also named Abu Qatal in its chargesheet. He was implicated for his involvement in the 2023 Rajouri attack.
Rajouri Terror Attack
On January 1, 2023, a terror attack targeted civilians in Rajouri’s Dhangri village. The attack was followed by an IED blast the next day. Seven people, including two children, died, and many others were seriously injured in the attacks.
NIA charge-sheeted five accused, including three Pakistan-based handlers of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit, in the Rajouri attacks case.
As per NIA investigations, the trio had orchestrated the recruitment and dispatch of LeT terrorists from Pakistan. Their aim was to target civilians, particularly from the minority community in Jammu & Kashmir, as well as security personnel.
Several security agencies, including the Army, had been tracking Abu Qatal. They were tracking him for his role in multiple terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir.
The 43-year-old Zia-ur-Rehman was the main handler of LeT involved in the planning of various terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch-Rajouri region. He along with Saifullah Sajid Jutt was the main handler of terrorists of Laskhkar-e-Taiba operating in the region. He was in-charge of Khuiratta Dett of LeT located in Kotli Dist of Pakistan occupied J&K.
According to the dossier accessed exclusively by India Today, Abu Qatal was the main link between LeT cadre and operators in Pak occupied J&K and Sindh Province of Pakistan. Abu Qatal had infiltrated into the Jammu region in early 2000. He exfiltrated in the year 2005. Abu Qatal’s death is a significant relief for India.
Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember
- Lashkar-e-Taiba’s most wanted terrorist Abu Qatal killed in Pakistan.
- Abu Qatal responsible for planning attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Abu Qatal was close to 26/11 Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed.
- NIA had accused Abu Qatal in the 2023 Rajouri attack.
- Abu Qatal was under the protection of the Pakistan Army.
Share this:
Discover more from Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
