A founding member and 'mastermind' of Lashkar-e-Taiba, Amir Hamza, was shot dead by unknown gunmen in Pakistan's Lahore. According to media reports, some unidentified assailants opened fire on the LeT terrorist outside a news channel office in the city.
After being critically wounded in the attack, he was immediately rushed to a hospital, where he remains in a serious condition.
Who is Amir Hamza?
Amir Hamza co-founded Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the Pakistan-based Sunni Islamist terrorist organization, along with terrorist Hafiz Saeed. He is reportedly linked to several terrorist activities, including many attacks in India.
Hamza is a veteran of the Afghan mujahideen who has delivered fiery speeches and is known for his prolific writings. As an editor of LeT's official publication in the past, Hamza authored several books, like Qafila Da'wat aur Shahadat in 2002.
In 2018, after financial crackdowns on charities linked to LeT, Jamaat-ud-Dawah, and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation, Amir Hamza distanced himself from the terrorist organisation, reports added. He later founded Jaish-e-Manqafa to continue militant operations, including in J&K.
High alert issued in the area
In a statement, a Lahore Police official said cops responded to the firing incident at the vehicle of Tehreek-e-Hurmat-e-Rasool Pakistan Chairman at Hamdard Chowk. He added that all present inside the vehicle remained safe. Authorities have issued a high alert in the area, and search operations are underway to track the perpetrators.
US Treasury Dept lists Hamza as sanctioned terrorist
The US Treasury Department has designated LeT a terrorist organisation and lists Hamza as a sanctioned terrorist. The LeT co-founder is believed to have served on the Pakistan-based militant Islamist organisation's central committee and played a vital role in recruitment, fundraising, and negotiations for the release of detained militants.