Lashkar-e-Islam

Lashkar-e-Islam (Urdu: لشكرِ اسلام‎), (LI or LeI) literally Army of Islam also transliterated as Lashkar-e-Islami, Lashkar-i-Islam) is a militant organization active in and around Khyber Agency, Federally Administered Tribal Areas, Pakistan. LeI was founded in 2004 by Mufti Munir Shakir. The most recent leader was Mangal Bagh. On March 12, 2015, Lashkar-e-Islam announced that it was joining Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan.[1] Pakistan banned the organization in June 2008[2]

On April 17, 2008, Bagh claimed that LeI has over 180,000 volunteers in Khyber Agency[3]

On April 27, 2008, it was reported that a "Lashkar-e-Islam" has changed its name to "Jaish-e-Islami". It is unclear whether this is the same group, or another which happened to use the same name. The reports stated that this LeI is located in Bajaur Agency, and headed by Wali Rehman.[4]

  • In October, a key commander of the militant group surrendered to security forces along with 80 of his men.[5]

During Operation Khyber-1 numerous militants had laid down their arms and surrendered to authorities.

  • On November 10, 2014, Official sources say that three key commanders of the group, newly appointed spokesman of the LI Saifullah Saif, Commander Ilyas and Commander Wajid, have announced that they were leaving the LI have surrendered to authorities.[5]

Leadership progression

(The term "Lashkar-e-Islam" is very generic, but the following individuals have been cited in media as leaders of an organization by that name in Bara tehsil, Pakistan)

  • 2004: founded by Mufti Munir Shakir
  • 2006: reportedly led by Haji Taj Mohammed, "member of the Afridi Shura."[6] However, a report from earlier that month refers to Taj as only "a spokesman for the Mufti"[7]
  • 2015: led by Mangal Bagh

Involvement In Kashmir

In Kashmir there is ongoing feud for supremacy between the Lashkar-e-Islam and the Hizbul Mujahideen.[8] Abdul Qayoom Najar the leader of the LeI was originally a Hizbul militant. He joined the Hizbul a decade ago, but due to a falling out he decided to launch his own outfit knows as LEI. Najar decided to use the name of the defunct LeI to further operations in Kashmir.[8]

Terrorist attacks

On March 17, 2016 Lashkar-e-Islam claimed responsibility for a bomb blast on a bus taking government employees from remote villages to Peshawar Secretariat. The attack claimed 16 lives and left 53 injured.[9]

Recent focus on Lashkar-e-Islam

  • LeI sends threatening letters to industrialists in Khyber Agency[10]
  • LeI clashes with Pakistani government troops in Khyber Agency[11]
  • LeI compels the public administration of Khyber Agency to close its offices in Bara tehsil[12]

References

  1. ↑ "Pakistani splinter group rejoins Taliban amid fears of isolation". Reuters. 12 March 2015. Retrieved 13 March 2015.
  2. ↑ "List of banned organisations in Pakistan". Tribune.com.pk. Retrieved 16 December 2017.
  3. ↑ Lashkar-e-Islam claims membership of 180,000 volunteers in Khyber Agency South Asian Terrorism Portal 18 April 2008
  4. ↑ Taliban group chooses new name Daily Times (Pakistan), 27 Apr 2008.
  5. 1 2 Zahir Shah Sherazi. "Three key LI commanders lay down arms". Dawn.com. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  6. ↑ Staff Report Khyber Agency given last chance to resolve Mufti issue Daily Times (Pakistan), 26 Feb 2006.
  7. ↑ Khyber Rifles takes up arms against Mufti and Pir Daily Times (Pakistan) 03 Feb 2007
  8. 1 2 "Hizbul vs Lashkar-e-Islam: The battle for supremacy". Oneindia.com. Retrieved 16 December 2017.
  9. ↑ "16 killed govt employee bus blast". E.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved 16 December 2017.
  10. ↑ "Daily Times". Daily Times. Retrieved 16 December 2017.
  11. ↑ "BBC NEWS - South Asia - Pakistan hard-liners 'shot dead'". News.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  12. ↑ "The News International: Latest News Breaking, Pakistan News". The News International, Pakistan. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
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