Is JeM Planning International Attacks on Indian Bars and Nightclubs?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Feb 21 (NationPress) The Jaish-e-Mohammed is intensifying its efforts concerning its women’s wing. The organization has begun recruiting youthful women who will be strategically placed in nightclubs, bars, and pubs owned by Indians globally, as reported by various agencies.
These recruits are undergoing training to execute attacks at these establishments. While bars, pubs, and nightclubs within India are being pinpointed, Jaish-e-Mohammed is also focusing on similar venues abroad. The plan entails hiring attractive young women to gain employment in these places. This serves as a reconnaissance mission, according to an official.
After completing this recruitment process, a coordinated attack will be enacted. The very women employed at these venues will carry out the assault, the official noted.
Currently, with assistance from the ISI, Jaish-e-Mohammed is scouting targets in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, and Dubai. The number of Pakistani women involved in this operation will be limited, with most recruits coming from Uzbekistan, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
This strategy of recruiting foreign nationals aims to obscure any connections to Pakistan. Once enlisted, these women will receive new identities, after which they will start working at these venues, according to an Intelligence Bureau official.
Jaish-e-Mohammed intends for this operation to be spectacular, directing its handlers to orchestrate simultaneous attacks across all targeted locations. The goal is to execute all attacks in one go to minimize scrutiny, as phased attacks could attract more attention, the official added.
Moreover, Jaish-e-Mohammed aims to target Indian nationals and those of Indian descent living abroad, intending to send a strong message to India by attacking its citizens both domestically and internationally, officials have stated.
Indian intelligence agencies are aware of this extensive plot by Jaish-e-Mohammed, which seeks to harm Indians and Indian interests globally. The organization is amassing funds on a large scale, underscoring the magnitude of this planned operation.
Pakistan has established centers to collect donations purportedly for Gaza relief. Campaigns have been ongoing for the past four months in Gulf countries and Pakistan. Jaish-e-Mohammed is exploiting the sensitive Gaza issue to fund this international operation.
An operation of this size necessitates significant financial resources. Consequently, the organization is utilizing all available means to gather substantial funds for execution. The women being recruited are offered considerable payments, with a focus on those who have experienced personal losses or abuse. Additionally, women who feel marginalized are also being recruited.
Jaish-e-Mohammed is essentially looking for women whose vulnerabilities can be manipulated. Counterterrorism specialists indicate that such women tend to make more effective operatives, as they are less likely to be detected and are often more committed to their tasks. The recruitment of women by the LTTE as suicide bombers serves as a historical example of this tactic, experts suggest.