Terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba‘s key operative Abu Qatal, who is the nephew of 26/11 attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed, has been gunned down in a targeted attack in Pakistan.
Qatal is known for planning several terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.
Abu Qatal, whose real name is Zia-ur-Rehman, was travelling with his security guard in the Jhelum area around 7 pm when unknown attackers opened fire, sources told India Today.
The attackers reportedly shot 15 to 20 rounds at Qatal and one of his guards. Both died on the spot.
Another security guard of the LeT was critically injured in the attack.
Abu Qatal was under heavy protection from the Pakistan Army, with both Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists and plainclothes Pakistani military personnel assigned to his security, the news channel reported.
The attack occurred close to Dina Punjab University in Jhelum district.
Saeed has appointed Qatal as Lashkar’s Chief Operational Commander.
According to reports, Qatal used to execute all plans in Jammu and Kashmir following Saeed’s orders.
Shiv Khori Terror Attack In June
He reportedly played a crucial role in the June 9 attack on a bus carrying pilgrims returning from the Shiv Khori temple in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district.
At least ten people were killed and many injured when the bus carrying pilgrims fell down a gorge losing control after terrorists attacked the vehicle in Reasi district.
Rajouri Attacks
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had named Qatal in its chargesheet for involvement in the 2023 Rajouri attacks.
Terrorists attacked Rajouri region’s Dhangri village in the Valley on January 1, 2023 and during the two-day strike, seven people, including two children, died.
Seven people died in the Rajouri attacks, which took place for two days.
The terrorists also carried out an IED blast during the two-day attack.
(With inputs from IBNS)
