Abu Katil, a Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist, was shot dead in Pakistan. He was a close associate of Hafiz Saeed and the mastermind behind the Rajouri-Reasi attacks; the NIA had filed a chargesheet against him.
Pakistan: Another enemy of India has met his end in Pakistan. Abu Katil, alias Katil Sindhi, a notorious Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist, was shot dead by unknown assailants in Jhelum district, Punjab province. Notably, the attack occurred while Abu Katil was in the presence of Hafiz Saeed, the leader of the terrorist organization.
Katil's Connection to the Mumbai Attacks Mastermind
Abu Katil was one of India's most wanted terrorists and a close associate of Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind behind the Mumbai attacks. He carried out numerous terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, serving as the mastermind behind the Rajouri and Reasi attacks. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had filed a chargesheet against him.
Abu Katil: Lashkar's Chief Operational Commander
Hafiz Saeed appointed Abu Katil as the chief operational commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba. He was responsible for strategizing terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and was skilled in recruiting terrorists and facilitating cross-border infiltration. This made him a highly valuable asset to Lashkar.
Mastermind of the Rajouri Attack
On January 1, 2023, a terrorist attack in Dhangri village, Rajouri district, resulted in the deaths of seven innocent civilians, including two children. An IED blast followed the next day. In the investigation of this attack, the NIA filed a chargesheet against five terrorists, three of whom were Pakistani nationals: Saifullah alias Sajid Jatt, Mohammad Kasim, and Abu Katil.
Reasi Bus Attack: Abu Katil's Terrorist Network
On June 9, 2024, terrorists ambushed a bus carrying pilgrims in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir. The terrorists fired indiscriminately at the bus traveling to Katra, killing the driver and causing the bus to plunge into a deep gorge. Nine pilgrims lost their lives in this attack. The TRF (The Resistance Front) claimed responsibility. Investigations revealed Abu Katil as the mastermind.
2017 Reasi Bomb Attack and Bhatia Durian Attack
Abu Katil had a long history of terrorist activities. He was also the mastermind behind the 2017 bomb attack in Reasi and the attack on an army vehicle in the Bhatia Durian area of Rajouri- Poonch in April 2023. His b network in the early 2000s significantly escalated terrorist incidents in Jammu and Kashmir. He reported to Sajid Jatt, a senior Lashkar commander whose name emerged in the Rajouri attacks.
Hafiz Saeed Missing Following Abu Katil's Assassination in Pakistan
Since Abu Katil's assassination, Lashkar leader Hafiz Saeed has been reported missing. This is not the first instance of top Lashkar terrorists being targeted in Pakistan. Abu Katil's death is a significant blow to Lashkar and could impact terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
