In a shocking turn of events, Hafiz Saeed’s latest news reveals that Abu Qatal, a notorious Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist and close associate of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, was gunned down today, March 15, 2025, in Pakistan. This attack on Hafiz Saeed’s inner circle has sent ripples through the terrorism landscape, raising questions about the fate of Hafiz Saeed news today and the broader implications for Pakistan-based terror outfits. Amid talk about whether Hafiz Saeed is still moving about on this planet, this sad piece of news reminds us of some dark patterns of murders related to family and people around him.
Who is Hafiz Saeed?
For those unfamiliar, who is Hafiz Saeed? Hafiz Muhammad Saeed is the founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a UN-designated terrorist organization responsible for numerous attacks in India, including the infamous 26/11 Mumbai attacks that claimed 166 lives. Saeed has always been very high on India’s wanted list as a leading figure of Jamaat Ulema Dawa. This terrorist organization is a front for Lashkar-e-Taiba, more commonly abbreviated as LeT. Let is an extremist group that has been a thorn in India for quite some time now. Saeed has been on that list of wanted criminals for many years now. Despite being jailed in Pakistan under international pressure, his influence persists, making news about Hafiz Saeed a critical focus globally.
Abu Qatal: The Terror Mastermind and His Master Plans in India
Abu Qatal, also known as Qatal Sindhi or Faisal Nadeem, was not just a close aide but reportedly a nephew of Hafiz Saeed. As LeT’s Chief Operational Commander, he orchestrated deadly attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, including the 2023 Rajouri attack and the 2024 Reasi bus assault.
Below are his key master plans:
- Rajouri Attack (January 2023)
- Details: On January 1, 2023, Qatal masterminded a twin attack in Dhangri village, Rajouri. Terrorists gunned down five civilians, followed by an IED blast the next day that killed two children, totaling seven deaths.
- Objective: Target minority communities to incite communal tension.
- Execution: Qatal coordinated from Pakistan, directing operatives and overground workers like Nisar Ahmed, who provided logistics. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) charge-sheeted him for this attack.
- Reasi Bus Attack (June 9, 2024)
- Details: Qatal orchestrated an assault on a bus carrying pilgrims from Shiv Khori temple in Reasi, killing nine and injuring 41.
- Objective: Disrupt peace and target civilians to spread fear.
- Execution: Under his leadership, LeT terrorists executed a precision strike, showcasing his strategic planning.
- Poonch Army Convoy Attack (April 2023)
- Details: Five Indian Army soldiers died when their vehicle was ambushed and set ablaze in Bhatta Durriyan, Poonch.
- Objective: Weaken security forces and destabilize the region.
- Execution: Qatal leveraged his old contacts from his 2002-03 stint in India to revive terror networks.
Qatal’s broader strategy involved recruiting and infiltrating terrorists from Pakistan into India, focusing on civilian and military targets. His operations in the Poonch-Rajouri range during the early 2000s laid the groundwork for these attacks, cementing his role as a linchpin in LeT’s India-focused terror campaign.
Recent Killings of Hafiz Saeed Aides
The Hafiz Saeed attack narrative now includes a string of eliminations targeting his network:
| Person | Killed Date | Reason | Place of Death | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abu Qatal | March 15, 2025 | Unknown gunmen attack | Jhelum, Punjab, Pakistan | Nephew, LeT operational head |
| Abdul Rehman Makki | December 27, 2024 | Heart attack (official); suspicions linger | Lahore, Pakistan | Brother-in-law, LeT deputy |
| Sajid Jutt (rumored) | Unconfirmed | Alleged targeted killing | Pakistan (location unclear) | Senior LeT commander |
This pattern suggests a concerted effort—possibly internal purges, rival faction hits, or covert operations—to dismantle Saeed’s ecosystem.
- Abdul Rehman Makki: A key LeT figure and Saeed’s brother-in-law, Makki died in December 2024. Officially attributed to a heart attack, the timing and context have sparked doubts.
- Sajid Jutt: While unconfirmed, rumors suggest another senior LeT operative linked to Saeed may have been targeted, adding to the Hafiz Saeed latest news intrigue.
Implications Across the Board
- Deep-Down Terrorists: Qatal’s death disrupts LeT’s command structure, hampering attack planning. His loss could delay operations in Kashmir, where he was a key strategist.
- Pakistan Sympathizers: Radical groups and political allies of Saeed face a leadership vacuum, weakening their cohesion.
- Sleeping Cell Agents in India: Without handlers like Qatal, these cells may falter, though desperation could trigger sporadic violence.
ISI and the Unknown Gunmen Enigma
The Hafiz Saeed news of Qatal’s killing has left Pakistan’s ISI scrambling. Theories include:
- ISI Cleanup: Facing global pressure, ISI might be eliminating high-profile terrorists to feign compliance.
- External Ops: Speculation points to foreign agencies, though no proof exists.
- Internal Strife: LeT infighting could be escalating as power dynamics shift.
The ISI’s muted response fuels suspicion of involvement or incompetence, spotlighting Pakistan’s terror sponsorship.
Hafiz Saeed: Alive or Not?
Rumors swirled today that Saeed was injured in the same attack on Hafiz Saeed that claimed Qatal, though his son Talha Saeed denied this. The Hafiz Saeed is alive or not question remains unresolved, with potential outcomes:
- Alive: Saeed could escalate attacks in retaliation.
- Dead: His death might fracture LeT, though successors loom.
Global and Indian Ramifications
For India, this Hafiz Saeed latest news is a tactical victory, curbing LeT’s immediate threat. Globally, it pressures Pakistan to act against terror bases, potentially reshaping counter-terrorism strategies. Yet, the void could birth new threats if not monitored.
Conclusion
The Hafiz Saeed news today of Abu Qatal’s killing on March 15, 2025, closes a dark chapter of terror planning in India, from the Rajouri attack to Reasi and beyond. As the world awaits clarity on Hafiz Saeed is alive or not, this event signals a shifting tide in the fight against LeT. Will it weaken terrorism or ignite a new wave? Only time will tell.
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