New Delhi, Dec 22 (NationPress) The Lashkar-e-Tayiba, infamous for the Mumbai 26/11 attacks, suffered significant losses during Operation Sindoor. Following this operation, aimed at avenging the Pahalgam attacks, the group has made numerous attempts to recover, yet has faced challenges in regaining its strength.

In an effort to revitalize its ranks, the organization is seeking to recruit individuals with educational backgrounds. The most notable change in leadership is the rise of Talha Saeed, the son of Lashkar chief Hafiz Saeed. While Hafiz remains informed about operations, it is Talha who is steering the group, according to an Intelligence Bureau official.

Talha is focused on attracting educated recruits, emphasizing the need for a more professional cadre. Intelligence reports indicate that he prefers white-collar workers over traditional mujahideens. Recent recruitment trends suggest that Talha is actively pursuing doctors, engineers, and educators, recognizing that their knowledge and skills can benefit the group.

Moreover, Talha is leveraging the power of social media extensively. He understands the importance of propaganda and aims to use these platforms to disseminate information effectively. Unlike Hafiz, who had dedicated operatives, Talha desires ideologically committed recruits who genuinely believe in the cause.

Experts warn that if Talha achieves his goals, Lashkar could become more formidable. He is targeting educated individuals, a strategy that has proven effective for groups like Islamic State and Al-Qaeda.

Under Talha Saeed, several training camps have been established, with a shift towards online education to evade detection by Indian forces. Following Operation Sindoor, Lashkar has consciously opted for online modules instead of in-person gatherings.

As Talha rebuilds the organization, he is also focusing on political influence. He is enhancing the strength of the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML), the political arm of Lashkar, believing that political legitimacy is crucial for public acceptance. Historically, the Lashkar has concealed its operations behind political fronts.

Talha's vision extends to recruiting children as well, introducing classes aimed at young boys and girls to ensure radicalization from an early age. Initial classes focus on the Quran, with subsequent stages geared towards ideological training followed by arms training.

Children admitted at a young age will undergo assessments post-training; not all will join the terrorist ranks. Some may transition into the political arm. Additionally, Lashkar is forming student wings to infiltrate universities, mirroring strategies employed by Jamaat-e-Islami in Bangladesh.

Another official has stated that Lashkar-e-Tayiba is in the process of rebranding itself, with Talha Saeed poised to significantly alter the terrorist landscape.