Islamabad (Pakistan): Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed's close aide Abu Qatal was murdered in Pakistan under unclear circumstances on Saturday night. While the exact details of his death remain unknown, reports suggest that internal rivalries within LeT, ISI involvement, or targeted elimination by an external force could have led to his killing.
Who Was Abu Qatal?
Abu Qatal, a top commander of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), was a key planner and executioner of multiple attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. A close aide of Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Qatal was one of India's most-wanted terrorists, with security agencies tracking his movements for years.
Key Role In Terror Attacks
Abu Qatal was deeply involved in terror activities across Jammu and Kashmir, playing a major role in recruiting, training, and sending terrorists into India from Pakistan. He was responsible for several deadly attacks, including the June 9, 2024, attack on a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims in Reasi district, where multiple civilians were killed.
Additionally, on January 1, 2023, Qatal was directly linked to the Rajouri terror attack, where terrorists stormed Dhangri village, killing seven civilians, including two children. The next day, an IED blast injured several others. This attack sent shockwaves across the region, prompting Indian agencies to intensify their manhunt for Qatal.
Named In NIA Chargesheet
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) named Abu Qatal in its chargesheet related to the Rajouri attack, linking him to a network of LeT handlers in Pakistan. The NIA’s probe revealed that he played a major role in orchestrating cross-border infiltration, selecting targets, and planning terror strikes on both civilians and security forces.
Along with two other LeT commanders, Qatal was tasked with executing attacks to spread fear and destabilise Jammu and Kashmir. His activities were closely monitored by Indian security forces, intelligence agencies, and the Indian Army, making him a prime target in the country’s counter-terror operations.
