Washington, March 3 (). The formation of a maritime wing by Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba is being seen as a major change in its strategy, which could pose a serious maritime terrorism threat to the regional security of the Indian subcontinent. This information has come to light in a report by America-based think tank Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI).
According to the report, Lashkar-e-Taiba, banned by the United Nations and responsible behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks, has revamped its training system, which includes advanced maritime tactical skills. These training programs include swimming, scuba diving, water-relief, motorboat operations and underwater tactical activities.
The report said that systematic courses lasting 20 to 40 days are being organized for youth in the age group of 15 to 35 years. Publicly these are presented as disaster management and emergency relief training, but security experts believe that these programs are being conducted through LeT’s front organizations such as Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML) and Pakistan Muslim Youth League (MYL).
According to the report, the training begins with religious-ideological lectures, after which the selected youth are indoctrinated towards extremist ideology. Some selected trainees are later inducted into Lashkar and PMML and given weapons training and guerrilla warfare so that they can allegedly carry out jihadi operations against India.
The MEMRI report mentions that the current training matches the maritime infiltration tactics adopted in the 26/11 attacks. In the year 2008, terrorists entered the coastal areas of Mumbai through sea route from Pakistan and targeted many high-profile targets. According to the report, training in ‘underwater tactics’ and high-speed boat operations points to small, agile teams being prepared for multi-location attacks.
The report also said that a video of Lashkar leader Haris Dar has surfaced, in which he is seen training terrorists. Another commander has openly accepted the formation of the Marine Force. Security agencies have considered this footage as evidence of open recruitment and terrorist preparation.
According to the report, this training is going on at various places in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. These include Islamabad, Muridke, Lahore, Bahawalpur, Kasur, Alipore, Karachi, Suran River of Poonch, Mangala Dam of Mirpur and Muzaffarabad. The programs are reportedly being monitored under the supervision of the Pakistan Navy and senior LeT commanders Rizwan Hanif and Aamir Zia.
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