Lashkar-e-Taiba’s Most Wanted Terrorist Abu Qatal Killed in Pakistan | X/@ShahMBaluch
Islamabad (Pakistan): Abu Qatal, one of Lashkar-e-Taiba’s (LeT) most wanted terrorists, was killed in Pakistan on Saturday night. A key figure in the terror outfit, Qatal was responsible for orchestrating several deadly attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and was under the radar of multiple security agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Indian Army.
Qatal Orchestrated Several Attacks In J&K
Qatal, a close aide of Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, played a crucial role in the June 9, 2024, attack on a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district. The attack, carried out under his leadership, left several dead and many injured, further intensifying security concerns in the region.
Apart from the Reasi attack, Abu Qatal was also named in the 2023 Rajouri terror attack case. On January 1, 2023, terrorists targeted civilians in Dhangri village, Rajouri, followed by an IED blast the next day. The coordinated attacks resulted in the death of seven civilians, including two children, and left many others injured.
Following extensive investigations, the NIA filed a chargesheet against five accused, including three Pakistan-based LeT handlers who were responsible for recruiting and dispatching terrorists from Pakistan into Jammu and Kashmir. Their objective was to target civilians, particularly from the minority community, as well as security forces operating in the region. Abu Qatal’s name featured prominently in the chargesheet, highlighting his involvement in coordinating and executing multiple terror strikes.
For years, Abu Qatal remained a top target for Indian security agencies, who had been actively tracking his movements. His sudden killing in Pakistan has raised speculation regarding internal rivalries within LeT or possible action by intelligence agencies. While the exact circumstances of his murder remain unclear, reports suggest that infighting among terror groups or a targeted elimination could be potential reasons.
Indian security forces see Qatal’s death as a major blow to LeT’s operations in Jammu and Kashmir, though the threat of further attacks remains. His elimination is expected to disrupt LeT’s network temporarily, but agencies remain on high alert to prevent any retaliatory strikes.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s authorities have yet to comment on Qatal’s killing, and LeT has not issued an official statement regarding the incident.
