Women, AI, water infiltration, martial arts and…: What is Lashkar’s new terror plan against India? Where are operatives being trained?

In a development that could worry India, new videos and details have emerged indicating that the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) is moving beyond conventional weapons and traditional infiltration methods. The terrorist group is teaching its cadre a host of new skills, which include water-based infiltration, martial arts, and even Artificial Intelligence.

Most wanted terrorist seen in swimming pool

In one video that recently surfaced, LeT commander Rana Mohammad Ashfaq, one of India’s most-wanted terrorists, is seen stepping into a swimming pool. According to officials from security agencies, under Rana, terror operatives from the organisation are being groomed for water-based infiltration and exfiltration, handling challenging situations and conducting special operations.

This is especially relevant as Lashkar carried out one of the deadliest terror attacks in India on November 26, 2008, using the water route. Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab and others had entered the country by hijacking a fishing trawler. They then landed in Mumbai using inflatable rubber dinghies.

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Where are LeT terrorists being trained?

Reports state that part of the training is taking place at the Mangla Dam, where Kasab and other terrorists had also trained. In other videos that have emerged, young men can be seen being trained in judo, karate, taekwondo, and wrestling. The physical and technical training is reported to be given in multiple cities through the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML). Officials said that their objective is to build a team of skilled youth who are capable of tackling all situations.

Senior Lashkar terrorists are also observing activities at these training centres, often to “boost morale” and motivate people to commit to the LeT’s “mission”.

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Women, AI tools push

Agency officials said several reports have suggested that new Lashkar members are also being trained to use of new technologies, including AI tools. In one of the videos, Rana Mohammad Ashfaq is heard saying, “The enemy is far ahead in terms of technology; therefore, the ‘mujahideen’ must also learn to adopt and use modern tech.” It is reported that women make up the majority of participants in such AI programmes.

“There is always the possibility that this training could be utilised in the future for maritime infiltration, cyber-attacks, and the dissemination of propaganda on social media. Social networks are already being used by such groups to spread their ideology, and AI adoption will only ramp that up,” an official said.