Rajouri Attack Mastermind, LeT Chief Abu Qatal, Shot Dead by Unknown Men in Pakistan's Punjab

In a major setback to Lashkar E Taiba, Chief of Jammu and Kashmir Operations alias Ghazi Abu Qatal has been killed by unknown gunmen in Jehlum area of Pakistan 's Punjab late last night. Officials in Pakistan's Punjab Police have confirmed targeting of Abu Qatal, along with another commander, has been killed in an assassination bid by two unknown gunmen in the night hours.

Officials in Pakistan's Punjab Police have informed local media that near the Mangla Bypass in Jehlum, unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire on a Vigo Dale car, killing two people and seriously injuring another. "Among the deceased was Nadeem, alias Abu Qatal, a commander of a banned religious group, likely Jamaat-ud-Dawa. The attackers fled the scene after the firing, and the identities of the victims, apart from Abu Qatal, have yet to be confirmed. Authorities have blocked all routes in the area, and efforts are underway to apprehend the assailants. The bodies of the deceased and the injured individual have been shifted to a hospital for further procedures," officials said.

Abu Qatal was behind two major attacks on Indian Army, Civilians in Rajouri and Poonch

Attack on Civilians on 01 January 2023 and Indian Army convoy in April 2023 was on the directions of Abu Qatal sitting in Pakistan and has play key role in the execution of these attacks.

In January 2023, seven civilians from Dhangri area of Rajouri were killed in well planned attack by terrorists which shot dead 05 Hindus on January 01 and then 02 others in timer IED blast next day. Two terrorists were killed in twin encounters in Rajouri and Poonch, two, including Abu Qatal, were  in Pakistan while three terrorists who gave shelter have been arrested by National Investigation Agency.

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While in second terror attack, five jawans of Indian Army's Rashtriya Rifles Unit were killed in action on April 20 in Bhatta Durriyan area of Poonch when Army vehicle was attacked and later set on fire by Lashkar terrorists- the terrorists had filmed the entire attack on Indian Army and footages were sent to their handlers across the border.

Abu Qatal was in India for couple of years, revived old contacts for attack

Abu Qatal had come to India in 2002-03 and was active in the Poonch-Rajouri range, along with other terrorists. And in twin attacks in Rajouri and Poonch, local terrorists had provided logistical support to the terrorists on the directions of Abu Qatal. Qatal also sent consignment of arms, ammunition and cash sent for the terrorists.  Abu Qatal, used his old contacts, during the latter’s stay in India and had remained in touch with them even after the his return to Pakistan.

NIA Chargesheeted Abu Qatal in 2024

National Investigation Agency (NIA) on 25 February 2024 charge-sheeted five accused, including three absconding Pakistan-based handlers of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit, in the Rajouri attacks case of January 2023. Abu Qatal alias Qatal Sindhu was chargesheeted along with Lashkar terrorists Saifullah @ Sajid Jutt, Mohd Qasim, and Abu Qatal @ Qatal Sindhi. While Abu Qatal and Sajit Jutt are Pakistani nationals, Qasim had exfiltrated to Pakistan sometime around 2002 and had joined the LeT terrorist ranks there.