Wilderness Survival Foreign Terrorist Organizations Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LT)
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| Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LT) |
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| Wednesday, 06 October 2004 | |
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Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LT) Goals and Objectives. Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LT) is a radical Islamic group in Pakistan that seeks to establish Islamic rule throughout South Asia. Although primarily focused on freeing Kashmir from Indian control and establishing an Islamic state there, the group has also suggested that it aims to establish Islamic rule over all of India as well. Favored Tactics. In its attacks, LT has used various types of firearms, machine guns, mortars, explosives, and rocket-propelled grenades. Brief History. Formed in 1990, LT is the military wing of the Pakistani radical Islamic organization Markaz-ud-Dawa-wal-Irshad (MDI, or Center for Islamic Call and Guidance), which itself formed in 1989. Since 1993, LT has become one of the largest and best organized groups fighting in Kashmir against India. The group has conducted a number of attacks against Indian troops and civilians in Kashmir. The Indian government accused the group of involvement in the December 2001 bombing of the Indian parliament and charged the Pakistani intelligence service (ISI) with supporting the group. President Musharraf banned the LT and several other groups (see Jaish-e-Mohammed entry, above) in January 2002, and the LT renamed itself Jamaat al-Dawat. The LT’s leader, Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, was arrested in Pakistan in January 2002 but then released in December 2002.In May and June 2003, the FBI arrested 11 men in Virginia on charges of training with and supporting Lashkar e Tayyiba. The 11 are to face trial in the U.S. District Court in Alexandria, Virginia. In July, a federal judge ordered four of the eleven suspects released from custody until their trial begins. Favored Tactics. In its attacks, LT has used various types of firearms, machine guns, mortars, explosives, and rocket-propelled grenades. Anti-American Activities. Lashkar e Tayyiba is not known to have conducted attacks against American citizens or American interests. The group remains focused on Kashmir. There is, however, possible cooperation between LT and Al Qaeda (see below). Areas of Operation. LT is based near Lahore in Pakistan and, according to the State Department, operates mobile training camps in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.258 The group also had training camps in Afghanistan until the fall of the Taliban in late 2001. LT is believed to have conducted operations not only in Indian controlled Kashmir, but also in other regions of India. Strength and Composition. Lashkar-e-Tayyiba is comprised mainly of Pakistani Islamic radicals, although some Afghan veterans of the Afghan wars are also members. The State Department estimates a total of several hundred members. Connections With Other Terrorist Organizations. In March 2002, senior Al Qaeda leader Abu Zubaydah was captured in an LT safe house in Faisalabad, Pakistan, indicating that the group may be helping Al Qaeda members to move through Pakistan.260 There are also reports that members of LT have participated in conflicts in Bosnia, Chechnya, and the Philippines, suggesting that the group may have links to various other radical Islamic organizations. State Supporters and Other Sources of Funding. According to the State Department, LT collects donations from Pakistani expatriates in the Persian Gulf and the United Kingdom. The group also reportedly receives support from Arab sympathizers in the Persian Gulf states.263 Prior to a crackdown by the Pakistani government against anti-Indian groups operating in Kashmir, the group invested in various business enterprises in Pakistan. Originally Designated as an FTO. December 24, 2001. Issues of Concern for Congress. The LT’s activities directed against India pose a threat to the stability of South Asia. The group may also be helping members of Al Qaeda in their anti-American activities. Its apparent links to other radical Islamic organizations lead to concern about the degree to which the LT is part of an evolving globalized network of terrorist organizations. Within the United States, this group’s alleged training and fund-raising activities in Alexandria, Virginia, if proven true, are also cause for concern (see above). |
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