Saifullah Khalid: Mastermind of Pahalgam Terror Attack
On April 22, 2025, militants attacked tourists in Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in at least 28 deaths and over 20 injuries
The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility, citing opposition to demographic changes in the region
Saifullah Khalid – The Terror ArchitectSaifullah Khalid, deputy chief of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has been identified as the mastermind behind the deadly Pahalgam attack of April 2025
The Face Behind the Resistance FrontHe operates primarily through The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow outfit created by LeT to mask its terror operations in Kashmir
Pakistan-Based PlannerIntelligence reports confirm Khalid is currently based in Pakistan and is involved in orchestrating attacks remotely via handlers and operatives in Kashmir
Role in the Pahalgam AttackKhalid planned the April 22 attack where 28 civilians, including tourists, were killed in Baisaran meadow, Pahalgam
Past Involvement in Terror OperationsHe has been on the radar for multiple past attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, with ties to financing and arms smuggling networks
Use of Online RadicalizationKhalid extensively uses encrypted social media channels to recruit and communicate with potential attackers in India