A significant blow for Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) came in the form of senior terrorist Abu Qatal, alias Qatal Sindhi, who was killed by unknown gunmen in Jhelum, Sindh, Pakistan, on Saturday evening. The killing is a significant setback for the terror group, as he was directly responsible for planning several high-profile attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.
To better understand his killing, we must know in detail about his life in terrorism. What was his role in the ‘Hindu Pilgrims Attack’ and ‘Rajouri Attack’? How was he connected to 26/11 plotter Hafiz Saeed and how did he fall into the ‘most wanted’ category of Indian security organizations? Let’s read about Qatal in detail:
Who was Abu Qatal?
Abu Qatal was a high-priority target for Indian security organizations because of his extensive role in planning and conducting attacks on security personnel and civilians in Jammu and Kashmir. He was well connected with the mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, Hafiz Saeed, and was among LeT’s most senior handlers spearheading the terror campaign within the region.
One of the most notorious actions he was involved in was the June 9, 2024, bus attack on Hindu pilgrims in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. Nine individuals and seven out-of-state pilgrims were killed, and 41 were injured in the brutal attack.
Qatal’s name also came up in relation to the January 2023 Rajouri attack, where terrorists attacked civilians in Dhangri village, killing seven people, two of whom were children, and injuring several others. The attack was preceded by an IED explosion the following day, furthering the destruction.
His extended engagement in such acts of violence rendered him a prime suspect for various probes by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA). The agency had indicted Qatal in a February 2024 chargesheet, along with other Pakistan-based LeT commanders Saifullah alias Sajid Jutt and Mohd Qasim.
Abu Qatal’s Role in Lashkar-e-Taiba
Active in Poonch-Rajouri area since the early 2000s, Qatal gradually moved up the Lashkar-e-Taiba ranks to become a central figure controlling cross-border terror activities. He coordinated attacks by keeping close links with PoK-based militants.
Aside from his personal role in terror operations, Qatal played a key role in the establishment of two proxy terror organizations: ‘People’s Anti-Fascist Force’ (PAFF) and ‘The Resistant Force’ (TRF). These groups were established to serve as a front organization for LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammed’s activities and have plausible deniability.
PAFF was designated as a terrorist organization by India’s Ministry of Home Affairs on January 7, 2023, due to its role in orchestrating several attacks on civilians and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Attack That Led to His Death
Even though Abu Qatal was enjoying the security cover of LeT militants and plainclothes men, as well as the protection of Pakistan’s armed forces, he was gunned down in the Dina area of Jhelum near Zeenat Hotel.
Unknown attackers sprayed his convoy with a number of shots, fatally injuring Qatal and one of his security personnel in the process. Another security guard was left seriously injured during the attack.
Is the Threat Over Now?
Qatal’s demise has been considered a major setback for Lashkar-e-Taiba, as he was spearheading terror activities and was responsible for managing proxy organizations. But security analysts warn that LeT’s resistance to change and flexibility could indicate that the group will continue its activities despite the loss of a key figure.
Indian security establishments are cautious and vigilant as LeT and its associated networks’ circumstances are such since the group’s resilience from leadership loss has been well documented previously.
While Qatal’s demise weakens the terror group, his violence and violence network continue to test regional security.
