Pahalgam terror attack: Saifullah Khalid identified as mastermind behind deadly incident

Pahalgam terror attack: Saifullah Khalid identified as mastermind behind deadly incident

New Delhi:

A major revelation has emerged in connection with the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, which killed as many as 26 people on Tuesday. According to Army sources, Lashkar-e-Taiba's top commander, Saifullah Khalid, has been identified as the mastermind behind the heinous assault. Saifullah, who is also known by the alias Saifullah Kasuri, is said to have been plotting the attack for the past two months. During this time, he reportedly made two visits to Pakistani Army camps as part of the planning process.

On Tuesday, following the attack, the terror outfit The Resistance Front (TRF) claimed responsibility. TRF is widely recognised as a front for Lashkar-e-Taiba and was formed in 2019 to provide plausible deniability to Pakistan's involvement in cross-border terrorism. 

Saifullah's connection with Hafiz Saeed

As per information, Saifullah is a close aide of Lashkar chief Hafiz Saeed and serves as the outfit's deputy chief. He is credited with founding both TRF and People’s Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), both considered proxy arms of Lashkar. Saifullah has been linked to several terror operations against India and is known to enjoy support from both Hafiz Saeed and the Pakistani military establishment.

In a provocative speech delivered in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during a gathering allegedly organised by the Pakistan Army and ISI, Saifullah declared, "Today is February 2, and I vow that by February 2, 2026, we will do everything possible to seize Kashmir." He further threatened increased militant activity in the region, claiming that Kashmir would be "free" by the said date. The event reportedly featured a large number of armed terrorists and was held under the patronage of Pakistani security forces.

Read More Leopard Mauls Youth to Death in Amroha; Local Outrage Mounts Over Forest Department Negligence

Saifullah's ties with Pakistan

Two months ago, Saifullah also delivered an incendiary address at a battalion event in Kanganpur, Punjab (Pakistan), where he received a hero's welcome, with officers seen showering him with flowers. Saifullah's deep links with the Lashkar leadership, his inflammatory speeches, and his alleged coordination with Pakistani military elements reinforce growing concerns about state-backed terrorism targeting India. As per sources, security agencies continue to track his movements and operations as investigations into the Pahalgam attack intensify.

Read More High-Octane Lawlessness: Luxury Convoy Ignites Chaos at Baghpat Toll Plaza

Pahalgam terror attack 

As many as 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed and more than a dozen others injured in the Pahalgam terror attack which occurred on Tuesday. This has been one of the biggest terror attacks after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The government, however, has yet to officially confirm the number of casualties in the terror attack in Pahalgam. Following the terror attack, security forces launched search operations to track down the terrorists responsible. Security has been heightened since the attack, with visuals from the area showing the streets deserted in the usually bustling tourist area. Many organisations have also called for a Jammu bandh following the attack.

Read More UP CM Yogi Adityanath Wins Hearts in Candid Interaction with Young Boy

Tags:

About The Author

Aryan Age Picture

Welcome to Aryan Age, an English newspaper that has been serving readers since 2011 from Delhi. With a loyal circulation of over 19,000, we are dedicated to providing our readers with the latest news and information, as well as insightful analysis and commentary that help them navigate the complex and rapidly changing world.

Post Comment

Comment List

Latest News

At forefront of global clean energy movement, India emerges as mentor for developing nations At forefront of global clean energy movement, India emerges as mentor for developing nations
New York: India has positioned itself at the forefront of the global clean energy movement, achieving its 2030 renewable energy...
1st T20I: What we fetch for is excellence and victory for the country, says Chakaravarthy
National Shooting Trials: Tilottama sweeps women’s 3P as Manu, Aishwary also post wins

Live Cricket Score

Advertisement

Science & Tech

Global PC shipments up 9.3 pc in Oct-Dec in AI era Global PC shipments up 9.3 pc in Oct-Dec in AI era
PC shipments reached 71.5 million units globally in the fourth quarter of 2025 -- a 9.3 per cent increase from...
Tata Motors Sets New Segment Benchmark with the Launch of the 2026 Punch Facelift

Health

Coffee-Based Home Remedies Gain Ground as Dermatologists Highlight Natural Skincare Benefits Coffee-Based Home Remedies Gain Ground as Dermatologists Highlight Natural Skincare Benefits
A growing number of dermatologists are endorsing coffee-based home remedies as natural, affordable alternatives to commercial skincare. From face scrubs...
Moringa’s Rise as a Global Superfood Gains Momentum Amid New Research

Lifestyle

Cost of home-cooked veg, non-veg thalis falls 13 pc in November due to ease in input prices Cost of home-cooked veg, non-veg thalis falls 13 pc in November due to ease in input prices
The cost of preparing both vegetarian and non‑vegetarian thalis at home fell 13 per cent year‑on‑year in November, driven mainly...
10 budget honeymoon destinations for the newlyweds in India
crossorigin="anonymous">