By Staff Correspondent
Security agencies have flagged a new operational plan by Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) to form a specialised unit referred to as a “Water Force”, aimed at conducting infiltration and attacks through rivers, lakes, and coastal routes. According to intelligence inputs, at least 135 terrorists have been recruited for this unit, with operational command reportedly assigned to Haris Dar, a senior LeT commander.
Training videos that recently surfaced show cadres undergoing water-based combat drills, including swimming with weapons, night navigation, mock infiltration exercises, and handling explosives in aquatic conditions. Investigators believe the unit is being prepared for cross-border infiltration, sabotage of critical infrastructure, and surprise attacks in riverine and coastal regions.
Security officials say the initiative reflects LeT’s attempt to diversify attack methods following increased surveillance along traditional land infiltration routes.
About Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)
Lashkar-e-Taiba, meaning “Army of the Pure”, is one of South Asia’s most lethal terrorist organisations. It was founded in 1987–88 in Afghanistan’s Kunar province.
- Founder: Hafiz Muhammad Saeed
- Co-founders: Zafar Iqbal, Abdullah Azzam (ideological influence)
- Headquarters: Muridke, Punjab, Pakistan
- Ideology: Salafi-Jihadism
- Primary Objective: Armed jihad against India, especially in Jammu & Kashmir
LeT emerged from the Markaz-ud-Dawa-wal-Irshad (MDI) organisation and later began operating openly through its charitable front Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD).
The group is banned by India, the United Nations, the United States, the UK, and several other countries, but continues to operate under different names and front organisations.
Key Leadership: Past and Present
Top Leaders
- Hafiz Muhammad Saeed – Founder and ideological head (arrested multiple times in Pakistan; currently serving sentence related to terror financing)
- Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi – Military chief; mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks
- Abdul Rehman Makki – Senior ideologue and deputy leader (designated terrorist by UN)
Commanders Killed or Neutralised
- Abu Dujana (Ismail Lone) – Killed in Kashmir encounter (2017)
- Abu Qasim – Pakistani LeT commander killed in J&K (2015)
- Abu Saifullah Khalid – Senior commander killed in Pakistan (2023)
- Yusuf Muzammil – 26/11 handler, killed in Pakistan (2023)
Several LeT operatives have also been eliminated in counter-terror operations in Jammu & Kashmir over the last two decades.
Major Sub-Organisations and Front Groups
To evade international sanctions, LeT operates through multiple aliases and fronts:
- Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) – Charitable and ideological front
- Falah-e-Insaniyat Foundation (FIF) – Relief and fundraising arm
- Al-Muhammadia Students
- Tehreek-e-Hurmat-e-Rasool
- Resistance Front (TRF) – Proxy outfit active in Kashmir
Security agencies state that many attacks claimed by TRF are operationally linked to LeT handlers.
Major Terror Attacks Linked to LeT
In India
- 26/11 Mumbai Attacks (2008):
166 people killed; coordinated sea-borne assault on hotels, railway station, and Jewish centre. - Red Fort Attack (2000)
- Indian Parliament Attack (2001) (jointly with Jaish-e-Mohammed)
- Akshardham Temple Attack (2002)
- Multiple attacks in Jammu & Kashmir targeting civilians, security forces, and minority communities.
International Operations
- Attacks in Afghanistan targeting Indian interests.
- Terror plots disrupted in Europe and the United States involving LeT operatives.
Security Concerns Over ‘Water Force’
Experts warn that the formation of a specialised water-based unit indicates tactical evolution by LeT, drawing parallels with the sea-route infiltration used during the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Indian security agencies have heightened surveillance along:
- Coastal areas
- Riverine borders
- Backwaters and inland waterways
- Ports and fishing harbours
Authorities have stated that counter-measures are being strengthened and any infiltration attempt will be dealt with firmly.
Conclusion
Despite international bans and leadership losses, Lashkar-e-Taiba remains operational, continuously adapting its tactics through new recruitment, proxy fronts, and specialised units like the proposed “Water Force”. Security agencies consider the latest development a serious but manageable threat, asserting that intelligence-led operations remain key to neutralising such plans.
