What We Know About Abu Ismail, the LeT Commander Gunned Down Today

Ismail had replaced his senior and previous LeT commander Abu Dujana after his death on 1 August.

Ismail had replaced Abu Dujana after his death on 1 August. 

(Photo: The Quint)

On Thursday, security forces gunned Abu Ismail, top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander in Nowgam in the Valley. One of his aides was also shot dead.

Security forces had launched a massive manhunt to track down the alleged Lashkar commander and Pakistani national Abu Ismail, who was accused of masterminding the deadly attack on Amarnath pilgrims on 10 July.

Ismail was a Pakistani terrorist of LeT. He had replaced Abu Dujana after the latter’s death and was mobilising locals to join terror in the name of religion.

Proactive operations were launched, mainly in south Kashmir, to track down Ismail as investigations – including communication intercepts – had pointed to his involvement in the attack on Amarnath pilgrims, a senior police official said.

According to the official, Ismail had been active in Kashmir for several years and had moved base to south Kashmir more than a year ago.

Not much was known about Ismail other than the fact that the Kashmir Inspector General has referred to him as a Pakistani militant.

A photograph, allegedly of Ismail, had been released by the state police.

According to CNN-News18, Ismail who was a Pakistani national – like his senior and LeT commander Abu Dujana – may have been supported by local Kashmiri militants.

The CRPF and local security forces suspect that the Amarnath yatra attack was a joint effort by both the LeT and the Hizbul Mujahideen. 

According to a CNN-News18 report, there were three assailants, including Ismail, who was on a motorbike and began indiscriminately shooting at the pilgrims.

Police claim the bus driver had violated the rules of the pilgrimage, which state that no yatra vehicle should be on a highway after 7 pm.