Abu Qatal, the nephew of Hafiz Saeed, was a senior Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative responsible for orchestrating multiple terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, including the deadly June 9 assault on pilgrims in Reasi. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had charged him for his role in the 2023 Rajouri attack, cementing his status as a key figure in the terror network before his death in Pakistan.
Abu Qatal, the nephew of Hafiz Saeed, the notorious mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks, has been killed in Pakistan, marking a significant victory in the ongoing battle against terrorism. As a senior operative in Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Qatal orchestrated several devastating terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, including the 2023 Rajouri attack and the deadly 2017 Reasi bomb blast. His involvement in cross-border terrorism and his status as one of India’s most-wanted terrorists made him a prime target for Indian security forces.
Qatal’s death, at the hands of two unidentified assailants while traveling in his vehicle, represents a critical blow to the Lashkar-e-Taiba network. For years, he had been a key figure in planning and executing attacks aimed at destabilizing the region. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had charged him for his role in multiple terror operations in Kashmir, underscoring his significance within the LeT structure. His elimination in Pakistan not only ends years of pursuit by Indian intelligence agencies but also marks a turning point in regional security.
Abu Qatal, Lashkar-e-Taiba’s Chief Operational Commander, Shot Dead in Pakistan: What You Need to Know
Abu Qatal, also known as Zia-ur-Rehman, was killed in a targeted attack in Pakistan’s Jhelum area near Zeenat Hotel on the evening of March 15, 2025. The gunmen ambushed his convoy, firing 15 to 20 rounds, instantly killing Abu Qatal and one of his security guards. Another guard was critically injured in the ambush. This attack marks a significant blow to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the terrorist group with which he was closely aligned.
Abu Qatal, who was a close associate of Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, had been serving as Lashkar-e-Taiba’s Chief Operational Commander. His rise in the terrorist network was marked by his critical role in cross-border terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. His most notorious involvement was in the 2023 Rajouri attack and the June 9 attack on pilgrims in Reasi. These deadly operations, ordered under his leadership, further fueled the ongoing terrorism in Kashmir and strengthened Lashkar-e-Taiba’s operations across the region.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had also charged Abu Qatal for his role in several attacks. The targeted killing of Zia-ur-Rehman sends a strong message about the effectiveness of counterterrorism measures and marks a victory for India’s security forces in their pursuit to eliminate terrorist leaders threatening regional stability.
Abu Qatal’s Deadly Role in Bhatta/Duria Attack & LeT’s Kashmir Terror Network
Abu Qatal (real name Zia-ur-Rehman), a key figure in Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), played a significant role in the Bhatta/Duria terror attack on April 20, 2023, where five Indian Army soldiers were killed and their bodies mutilated. Qatal, known for orchestrating deadly attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, was responsible for planning this brutal assault as part of a broader strategy to destabilize the region.
As the main handler of LeT operations in the Poonch-Rajouri area, Abu Qatal worked closely with Saifullah Sajid Jutt, leading the infiltration of terrorist cells into India. His expertise in cross-border terrorism was vital in carrying out high-profile attacks across the region. His leadership extended to Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), where he managed LeT cells operating from Khuiratta Dett.
Qatal’s involvement in the Bhatta/Duria attack was part of a long history of terror attacks in Kashmir, which also included the 2023 Rajouri attack. His connections to Hafiz Saeed and his role as a senior LeT commander made him a significant threat in the ongoing conflict. Despite his death, Qatal’s legacy remains a dark chapter in Kashmir’s battle against cross-border terrorism.
