Washington, March 3 (NationPress) The establishment of a maritime division by the Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) indicates a shifting strategy towards naval operations, which could represent a serious maritime terror threat and complicate security in the region, according to a report released on Tuesday.

As detailed by the US-based 'Middle East Media Research Institute' (MEMRI), the LeT is broadening its operational framework with a dedicated maritime wing, marking a transition towards competencies in maritime activities and potential actions, thereby adding a new facet to the militant group's operational infrastructure.

The report cites intelligence and media sources, explaining that LeT, recognized as a terrorist organization by the United Nations and infamous for the 2008 Mumbai attacks, has restructured its training regimen to include sophisticated maritime tactical abilities. This training encompasses swimming, scuba diving, water rescue, and motor-boat operation, with organized courses ranging from 20 to 40 days for participants aged 15 to 35.

“Although these courses are ostensibly presented as training for disaster response and emergency rescue, security analysts suggest that LeT conducts these programs through affiliated entities such as the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML) and the Pakistan Muslim Youth League (MYL). Trainees are first exposed to religious-ideological indoctrination before being guided towards militant training,” the report elaborated.

“Selected participants are then welcomed into the ranks of LeT and PMML, where they reportedly undergo weapons training and guerrilla warfare tactics aimed at executing jihadist operations, primarily targeting India,” it noted.

The training program reportedly includes scuba diving, advanced swimming techniques, high-speed boat navigation, underwater combat strategies, and social media tactics.

Moreover, media reports suggest that the LeT is preparing militants for assaults reminiscent of the November 26, 2008, Mumbai terror attack, where assailants exploited maritime routes from Pakistan to strike coastal regions.

“Current training resembles the maritime infiltration tactics deployed in 2008, suggesting preparations for covert operations from the sea to evade detection. The 2008 attacks involved a small number of highly trained militants targeting multiple significant sites simultaneously. Training in ‘underwater tactics’ and boat maneuvers implies readiness for small, agile teams to execute similar multi-location strikes,” the MEMRI report stated.

The report featured a video showcasing Haris Dar, a leader within LeT overseeing militant training, alongside another commander openly acknowledging the establishment of a maritime force and confirming that LeT and its affiliates are conducting such training. Security agencies regard the footage as clear proof of open recruitment and preparations for terrorism, with maritime wing training reportedly occurring at various locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

“Courses take place in Islamabad, Muridke, Lahore, Bahawalpur, Kasur, Alipur, and Karachi, as well as along the Suran River in Poonch, at Mangla Dam in Mirpur, and in Muzaffarabad. These programs are reportedly supervised by the Pakistan Navy and overseen by senior LeT commanders, including Rizwan Hanif and Amir Zia,” the report concluded.