Washington, March 3: A report from the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) highlights a significant shift in strategy by the Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which is forming a maritime wing that could pose a serious maritime terrorism threat to regional security in the Indian subcontinent.
According to the report, the United Nations-designated terrorist group responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attacks has revamped its training programs to include advanced maritime tactical skills. These training sessions encompass swimming, scuba diving, water rescue, motorboat operations, and underwater strategic activities.
The report states that organized courses lasting 20 to 40 days are being conducted for youth aged 15 to 35. While publicly presented as disaster management and emergency relief training, security experts believe these programs are operated through LeT’s front organizations, such as the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML) and the Pakistan Muslim Youth League (MYL).
Training begins with ideological lectures, after which selected youths are directed towards extremist ideologies. Some trainees are later integrated into LeT and PMML, receiving instruction in weapon handling and guerrilla warfare to allegedly carry out jihadist operations against India.
MEMRI’s report indicates that the current training aligns with the maritime infiltration tactics used during the 26/11 attacks. In 2008, terrorists entered Mumbai’s coastal areas via sea routes, targeting several high-profile locations. The report suggests that training in “underwater tactics” and high-speed boat operations is preparing small, agile teams for multi-location attacks.
The report also mentions a video featuring LeT leader Harris Dar, who is seen training militants. Another commander has openly acknowledged the formation of a maritime force. Security agencies consider this footage as evidence of open recruitment and terrorist preparation.
Training is reportedly taking place in various locations across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, including Islamabad, Muridke, Lahore, Bahawalpur, Kasur, Alipur, Karachi, the Suran River in Poonch, the Mangla Dam in Mirpur, and Muzaffarabad. The programs are allegedly supervised by the Pakistani Navy and senior LeT commanders Rizwan Hanif and Amir Zia.
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