The above pictures show Abu Qatal and his body guard who were killed in Jhelum yesterday by unknwon gunmen

Read part-1 of this article here

On March 15, 2025, Abu Qatal was assassinated by unknown gunmen in Jhelum, Pakistan, near Zeenat Hotel, close to Dinah Punjab University. Despite heavy protection from the Pakistan Army, the attackers fired 15 to 20 rounds, killing him and one security guard, with another guard critically injured. His death is seen as a significant setback for LeT, disrupting their operations in the region. It seems likely that this incident is part of a broader pattern of targeted killings of terrorist commanders in Pakistan and PoJK over recent years. The attack occurred around 7 pm, with unknown gunmen firing 15 to 20 rounds at his vehicle, killing him and one security guard on the spot, while another guard was critically injured. Despite being under heavy protection from the Pakistan Army, with both LeT terrorists and plainclothes military personnel assigned to his security, the assailants managed to execute the attack, highlighting the vulnerability of even high-value targets.

• Zia-ur-Rehman, alias Abu Qatal, was a senior Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander killed in Pakistan on March 15, 2025.
• He was involved in planning attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, including the 2023 Dhangri and 2024 Reasi incidents.
• Abu Qatal was a key handler for LeT, with ties to Hafiz Saeed and operations in Poonch-Rajouri.

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Zia-ur-Rehman, better known by his alias Abu Qatal or Qatal Sindhi, was a significant figure in the terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Born on February 4, 1982, in Kaloi, Tehsil Jam Nawaj Ali, Sanghar district, Sindh Province, Pakistan. His involvement with terrorist group LeT saw him rise to the position of a chief operational commander, particularly noted for his terrorists activities in the Poonch-Rajouri region of Jammu and Kashmir.

Abu Qatal was a close associate of Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and was tasked with controlling LeT detachments in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). He was in charge of the Khuiratta Dett of LeT in Kotli District, PoJK, and served as the main link between LeT operations in PoJK and Sindh Province. Research suggests he infiltrated into the Jammu region in the early 2000s, staying until 2005, and developed a wide network of overground workers (OGWs) in Poonch and Rajouri, which he later used for planning attacks.

The evidence leans toward Abu Qatal’s involvement in several high-profile attacks, including:

• The Dhangri village attack on January 1, 2023, where seven civilians were killed, followed by an IED blast.
• The Reasi bus attack on June 9, 2024, targeting pilgrims, resulting in nine deaths and 42 injuries.
• The Bhatta-Durian incident on April 20, 2023, where five Army personnel were killed and their bodies mutilated.
• The Kandi attack on May 5, 2023, targeting 9-Para Special Forces, leading to casualties and mutilation of bodies.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) of India had charge-sheeted him for these operations, highlighting his role as a key planner.

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Profile of Zia-ur-Rehman, Alias Abu Qatal

Zia-ur-Rehman, widely recognized by his aliases Abu Qatal, Qatal Sindhi, and Nadeem, was a pivotal figure in the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist network, whose activities significantly impacted security in Jammu and Kashmir. This note provides a comprehensive overview of his background, roles, activities, and the circumstances surrounding his death, drawing from verified reports and official statements.

Born on February 4, 1982, in Kaloi, Tehsil Jam Nawaj Ali, Sanghar district, Sindh Province, Pakistan, Zia-ur-Rehman was the son of Abdul Wahid. At the time of his death on March 15, 2025, he was 43 years old, aligning with the date of birth provided in official records. His permanent address in Pakistan underscores his deep roots in the region, which later became a base for his terrorist operations.

Abu Qatal was a senior commander within LeT, serving as the chief operational commander and a close aide to Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attacks. His role extended beyond mere participation; he was appointed by Saeed to ensure control over LeT detachments in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Specifically, he was in charge of the Khuiratta Dett of LeT, located in Kotli District, PoJK, and acted as the main link between LeT cadres in PoJK and Sindh Province, facilitating coordination and operational planning.

His position as the main handler of LeT terrorists operating in the Poonch-Rajouri region was critical, with reports indicating he worked alongside Saifullah Sajid Jutt, another Pakistan-based handler, to orchestrate attacks. His operational command included managing drone arms drops and infiltrations into Indian territory, making him a central figure in LeT’s strategy against India.

Abu Qatal’s operational history includes a significant period of activity in Jammu and Kashmir. He infiltrated the region in the early 2000s, remaining there until 2005 before exfiltrating back to Pakistan. During this time, he established an extensive network of overground workers (OGWs) in Poonch and Rajouri, leveraging old contacts to revive terrorist activities post-return. This network was instrumental in planning and executing attacks, providing logistical support, and maintaining communication channels with Pakistan-based handlers.