Jump to content

Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind
أنصار غزوة الهند
FoundersZakir Rashid Bhat [1]
Burhan Wani [2]
Abu Dujana 
Arif Lelhari 
AmeerZakir Musa [3]
(2017-19)
Hameed Lelhari [4]
(2019)
Imtiyaz Shah [5]
(2019-21)
Ghazi Khalid Ibrahim
(2021–present)
Deputy leaderSoliha Mohammad Akhoon 
(2017-18)
Burhan Koka  
(2018-20)
Abu Bakr Shopiani
(2020–present)
Chief CommanderMustafa Abdul Kareem[6]
Deputy commanderUmar Mansour
SpokespersonTalha Abdul Rahman[7]
Dates of operationJuly 2017–Present[1]
Allegiance
Group(s)Ansar ut-Tawhid wal-Jihad Hind[19][20]
Active regionsJammu and Kashmir
IdeologyIslamic Jihad[1]
Ghazwa-e-Hind[21]
Separatism
Slogan"Kashmir Banega Darul Islam" (Kashmir will become Islamic state)
"Sharyiat ya shahadat" (Sharia or martyrdom)
StatusActive
Allies
Opponents India[22]
 United States[23]
 Israel[24]
 Pakistan (disputed)[25][26][27][28]
ISJK[29]
Battles and warsInsurgency in Jammu and Kashmir
Designated as a terrorist group by India[30]
Preceded by
Former field operational commander of Hizbul Mujahideen.

Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (Urdu: أنصار غزوة الهند, lit.'Partisans of the Conquest of Hind') is an al-Qaeda-affiliated Islamist jihadist militant group active in Kashmir. The group's stated objective is to create Kashmir as an independent Islamic state under Sharia law and to fought jihad against Indian administration of Jammu and Kashmir.[31]

Background

[edit]

Zakir Rashid Bhat was an Islamist Kashmiri militant and separatist leader popularly known as Zakir Musa. He was a former field operational commander of Hizbul Mujahedeen.[31] In May 2017, Musa criticized the Hurriyat leaders for calling the Kashmir conflict a political objective rather than a religious one to establish an Islamic state ruled with Sharia. He warned them not to become a "thorn" in the imposition of Sharia in Kashmir, but after a few hours, Hizbul Mujahideen immediately disassociated itself from Zakir Musa's statement and Zakir Musa in response quit the organization[32][33][34] after releasing statements to support his argument that the struggle in Kashmir was not for political purposes. Following Musa's split, Pro-Zakir Musa Kashmiri militants formed a militant faction named Zakir Musa Army 313 to openly support Musa and his "Islamic Rule" ideology.[35] In July 2017 the faction joined Al-Qaeda as Musa was impressed by Al-Qaeda's religious objective of imposing Sharia law in Kashmir and he formed a new cell of Al-Qaeda named Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind.[9][10] In the same month, the Global Islamic Media Front-affiliated Al Hurr media channel of Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind claimed that Zakir Musa had been named the head of Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, a newly created cell of Al-Qaeda.[1] After the killing of militant commander Abu Dujana and Arif Lelhari, a statement purported to be from Musa was released. The statement claimed that Abu Dujana and Arif Lelhari left Lashkar-e-Taiba, had joined Al-Qaeda and helped establish a new cell of Al-Qaeda in Kashmir. Officials stated that the voice in the video matched those of the earlier audio clips by Musa, though the state's DGP S.P. Vaid stated there was no way of authenticating the clips even though there were reports that Dujana and Musa were close at the time. Meanwhile, an audio clip circulated on media that claimed to be the last message from Dujana and Arif during their encounter. Two voices claim allegiance to Al-Qaeda; however, no gunfire is heard and the authenticity of the clip was not proven.[8] Zakir Musa was one of the most wanted militants in Jammu and Kashmir after Burhan Wani with a bounty of 1 million Indian rupees on his head announced by the Government of India.[31] In November 2017 the Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind formed an alliance with Hizbul Mujahideen. After the meeting of Riyaz Naikoo with Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, Zakir Musa released an audio tape after a few days of meetings, where he called all Kashmiri Mujahideen groups to unite for Jihad against enemies of Islam, with the goal to achieve freedom from India and enforce a Sharia law-based Islamic revolution in the region. He also warned 'Don't forget Kashmir if Pakistan withdraws its support to Kashmir, the insurgency would be also fought inside Pakistan'. Afterwards, Syed Salahuddin, the chief of Hizbul Mujahideen, released a statement threatening the Pakistan Army: 'We are fighting for Kashmiri Muslims in Kashmir and if Pakistan army withdraws its support, the war would be fought inside Pakistan too'.[27][28]

Objective

[edit]

Days After formation Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind claimed it is against Lashkar-e-TaibaJaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen, who have openly rejected both Al-Qaeda and Islamic State propaganda. The Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind also threatened Pakistani ISI including its affiliated groups in Kashmir and its leader Zakir Musa also criticized the Pakistan establishment for "betraying Kashmir jihad." He stated that the objective of Al-Qaeda's Kashmir cell was to clear it from the Pakistan government, army and their sponsored agents he also threatened to "liberate India" from the Hindus and Musa, like his predecessor Burhan Wani, asked the Kashmiri Pandits to return to their homeland he stated during a video released after the killing of Burhan Wani in 2016, "We request Kashmiri Pandits to return to their homes. We take the responsibility of their protection."[36][37][38] afterwards in response the United Jihad Council chairman and Hizbul Mujahideen leader, Syed Salahuddin, stated that the Kashmiri jihad movement is indigenous, and does not have a worldwide caliphate goal, and claimed that both al-Qaeda-affiliated groups and the ISIS are attempts by the Indian government to ruin the image of the Kashmiri resistance movement but after few months Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind officially announced alliance with Pakistan affiliated groups especially with Hizbul Mujahideen in Kashmir against India and Al-Qaeda-affiliated Global Islamic Media Front released a video announcing Al Hurr as the channel of Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind.[39] It also claimed that the group's main objective is to impose Sharia law upon Kashmir under Shia-Sunni unity, also declaring Jihad against Indian administration of Jammu and Kashmir in the process it also aims to spread the Islamic state caliphate to Jammu and Kashmir opposing democracy as being in violation of Sharia or Islamic law, rather than to split from India or to merge with Pakistan.[40][9][41][42]

Etymology

[edit]

The group derives its name from the Islamic prophecy of Ghazwa-e-Hind, the ultimate conquest of India. Arabic word "Ansar" means supporters.

Slogans

[edit]

Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind claims to have two slogans: the first being "Kashmir Banega Darul Islam" (Kashmir will become Islamic state) and the second being "Sharyiat ya shahadat" (Sharia or martyrdom).

Allegiance to Al-Qaeda and Taliban

[edit]

In July 2017, the Global Islamic Media Front Affiliated Al Hurr media Channel of Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind claimed that Zakir Musa had been named the head of Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind under the allegiance to Al-Qaeda,[9][10][43] In September 2021, The group released a letter on social media in which group announced allegiance to Afghan Taliban after the takeover in Afghanistan.

Activities, Statements, and foreign fighters

[edit]

Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind primarily operates in the Indian administration of Jammu and Kashmir, and which has also claimed responsibility for several attacks against Indian forces and government officials throughout the rest of kashmir region, the group has an estimated Several hundred fighters and it has made use of social media videos, audios and posters to spread its propaganda through Al-Qaeda-affiliated media outlets called Al Hurr and Al-Sindh Media.[44][45]

Activities and Statements

[edit]

2017

[edit]

On 7 December 2017, the group released a statement that condemned former President Donald Trump's declaration of moving the United States embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.[46]

On 25 December 2017, in a video of a Kashmiri militant declaring allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and declaring a new ISIL Province in Kashmir, the fighter called on Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind to give allegiance to ISIL and wage jihad in Kashmir against the Indian government, but the group declined.[47]

2018

[edit]

In February 2018, the group released a video of Musa calling on Indian Muslims to attack Indian army patrols and checkpoints as well as Israeli companies interested in investing in India.[48][49]

In April 2018, the group published material that encouraged Muslims across India and Kashmir to carry out lone wolf attacks.[50]

On 15 November 2018, the Indian Security Forces claimed that Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind leader Musa appeared in Punjab. In December of the same year, the security forces claimed that Musa reappeared in Punjab.[51]

On 18 November 2018, militia armed men threw grenades and opened fire at a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in Kakapora, Jammu and Kashmir. One CRPF member was killed, and two others were injured in the attack. Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) claimed responsibility for the attack, but authorities suspected Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind carried out said attack.[52][53][54]

2019

[edit]

On 8 July 2019, Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri released a video titled, 'Don't forget Kashmir', (in Arabic) in which Zawahiri urged unification of Jihadis against India and freeing from the clutches of unjustified Pakistan. He further criticized Pakistan Army and its role for decline attacks against Indian forces in Jammu and Kashmir under the pressure of America and condemns the killing of Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind founder Zakir Musa, he also call Musa and his predecessor Burhan Wani as the notable Islamic martyrs of Kashmir describe them as the role model of muslim youth for global Jihad against the enemies of Islam.


On 21 November 2019, the group released an audio tape condemning the Indian court ruling on the Babri Masjid. The group urged Muslims to retaliate against the decision.[55]

2020

[edit]

On 6 January 2020, the group released a tape message to Muslims of Kashmir and India by Talha Abdul Rahman, the Spokesperson of group, condemning the 2020 Delhi riots by Hindu nationalists against the Indian Muslims in Delhi. The group urged Muslims to unite against Hindutva ideology, and he called Muslims to join the jihad against the enemies of Islam.[56][7]

2022

[edit]

On 18 January 2022, the group claimed responsibility for an attempted bomb attack in Ghazipur, Delhi. The group also claimed that the targets are pro-Hindutva Hindu nationalists in revenge for the 2020 Delhi riots against the Indian Muslims in Delhi by Hindu nationalists.[57]

Foreign fighters

[edit]

The Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind claim to be have foreign fighters in Kashmir from Pakistan and Afghanistan to join the holy war against India.[58][59]

Operations against Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind

[edit]

On 21 December 2018, deputy leader Soliha Mohammad Akhoon, also known as Rehaan Khan, was killed in an encounter with 42 Rashtriya Rifles and the CRPF, along with five other militants.[60][61]

On 24 May 2019, Indian security forces killed Zakir Musa in an encounter in Tral region of Jammu and Kashmir. Security forces had to blast a chemist's house where Musa was hiding. The owner was sent in for negotiation to surrender, but Musa declined and continue gunfight until his killing.[62][63] At Musa's funeral, thousands of people attended, and there were protests by supporters or people who mourned.[64]

On 22 October 2019, Indian security forces killed Hameed Lehari in an encounter in Awantipora, Jammu and Kashmir. He was the second leader of the organisation.[65]

Jammu and Kashmir's Director General of Police, Dilbag Singh, said that the Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind had been "wiped out of Kashmir" on 23 October 2019.[66][67]

On 22 April 2020, four militants of the group were killed in Shopian district's Melhora village during an encounter with Indian Army's 55 Rashtriya Rifles and the CRPF.[68] Two over-ground workers of Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind had been captured in Pulwama district on 22 May.[69]

On 29 April 2020, Group's deputy chief Burhan Koka was killed in an encounter in Shopian's Melhora area. along with 2 other associates.[70]

On 9 April 2021, Jammu and Kashmir's Director General of Police, Dilbag Singh, said that the Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind has been "wiped out of Kashmir" once again, after seven militants—including its chief—were killed in an encounter.[5]

On 11 July 2021, Prashant Kumar of ADG Law and Order, UP, stated, “ATS UP has uncovered a big militant module. The team has arrested two militant linked with al-Qaeda's Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind.”[71]

On 14 June 2022, Jammu and Kashmir Police announced the killing of kashmiri militant Abdullah Abbas Ghazi Bhat, also known as Abdullah Ghazi in an encounter, he was a senior member of Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, an al-Qaeda linked group. Police claimed he was reportedly killed with two Hizbul militants by Indian security forces during a secret counter-terrorism search operation on the behalf of Indian intelligence report on 11 June. He had been fighting alongside Hizbul Mujahideen militants in Kulgam and was killed in a gunfight in the town of Kulgam. The two Indian security forces were killed, while five were injured during the clash the security forces destroyed his home and hideout. On 14 June, a few days after his death, four Indian army soldiers were killed in lone wolf attacks at various locations and the main leading member of search operation a Jammu and Kashmir Police senior officer, also murdered outside of his house on same day and police claimed that the officer was stabbed multiple times by a sharp lethal weapon in what is believed to have been a reprisal for Ghazi's death, however no group claim the responsibility and authorities suspected the over-ground worker loyalists of Al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed behind it.[72]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d "Al-Qaida-linked cell Ansar Ghazwat-Ul-Hind announces Zakir Musa as its chief in Kashmir". Times of India. 27 July 2017.
  2. ^ Zee Media Bureau (15 May 2017). "With Call For 'Islamic Rule', Zakir Musa May Have Signalled Ideological Split in Kashmir Terrorism". The Wire (Indian web publication). Archived from the original on 17 September 2017. Retrieved 14 April 2023.
  3. ^ "Zakir Musa, Jammu and Kashmir's most wanted militant, killed in encounter: Police". Hindustan Times. 23 May 2019.
  4. ^ "J&K: Zakir Musa's successor killed in Awantipora encounter.html". News18. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  5. ^ a b "Al Qaeda-Inspired Group 'Wiped Out', 7 Militants Including its Chief Killed in Kashmir". News18. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  6. ^ "Al-Qaeda's message for PM Modi and CM Yogi; 'Ghazwa-e-Hind is not a dream' Details". YouTube. Retrieved 7 January 2023.
  7. ^ a b "Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind Releases Video For Indian Muslims title:BATTLEFIELDS ARE CALLING". YouTube. Retrieved 6 January 2020.
  8. ^ a b "Zakir musa allegedly announces allegiance to al-qaeda Abu Dujana helped set up al Qaeda in Kashmir: Zakir Musa in purported statement". Hindustan Times. 5 August 2017.
  9. ^ a b c d Kaur, Simarjeet (28 July 2017). "Zakir Musa Will Lead New Outfit in Kashmir". www.globaldailytribune.com. Archived from the original on 4 August 2017. Retrieved 4 August 2017.
  10. ^ a b c "Al-Qaida-linked cell Ansar Ghazwat-Ul-Hind announces Zakir Musa as its chief in Kashmir". Times of India. Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. 27 July 2017. Retrieved 18 December 2019.
  11. ^ "Taliban's Kashmir policy: Rhetoric, ideology, and interests". Observer Research Foundation. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
  12. ^ a b Mohammed, Sinan Siyech. "Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent: After the Return of the Taliban". European Eye on Radicalization. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
  13. ^ "UN report about Afghanistan 2024" (PDF). 29 January 2024.
  14. ^ Pantucci, Raffaello; Basit, Abdul (2021). "Post-Taliban Takeover: How the Global Jihadist Terror Threat May Evolve". Counter Terrorist Trends and Analyses. 13 (4): 1–7. ISSN 2382-6444.
  15. ^ "Al-Qaeda-Taliban links exposed". Deccan Herald. 12 October 2019.
  16. ^ "Al-Qaeda admits to India's successes in Kashmir; Blasts 'coward' Pak Army for decline in terror". YouTube. Retrieved 29 November 2022.
  17. ^ "'Failed To Liberate Kashmir': Taliban mock 'incompetent' Pak Army; Refute Indian proxy charge". YouTube. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  18. ^ "Al Qaeda thriving in Kashmir in support of Pakistani intelligence against india reports Al Qaeda camps in azad kashmir Pakistan". Christian Science Monitor. 2 July 2002. Archived from the original on 12 November 2021. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  19. ^ ""Ansar ut-Tawhid wal-Jihad in India" Expresses Support for Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind". SITE Institute. 10 October 2014. Archived from the original on 23 December 2014. Retrieved 22 December 2014.
  20. ^ "Al Qaeda Released Video Titled 'Ghazwa-e-Hind Battlefied Is Coming To Spread Islamic Caliphate in India and Kashmir' Al Qaeda again target india". 12 October 2021. Archived from the original on 19 November 2022. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
  21. ^ "Al-Qaeda's message for PM Modi and CM Yogi; 'Ghazwa-e-Hind is not a dream' Details". YouTube. Retrieved 7 January 2023.
  22. ^ "Country Reports on Terrorism 2020: India". US Department of State. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
  23. ^ Zelin, Aaron Y. (7 December 2017). "New statement from Anṣār Ghazwat al-Hind: "Concerning Developments on Jerusalem"". jihadology.net. Retrieved 18 December 2019.
  24. ^ Zelin, Aaron Y. (7 December 2017). "New statement from Anṣār Ghazwat al-Hind: "Concerning Developments on Jerusalem"". jihadology.net. Retrieved 18 December 2019.
  25. ^ "Al-Qaeda admits to India's successes in Kashmir; Blasts 'coward' Pak Army for decline in terror". YouTube. Retrieved 29 November 2022.
  26. ^ "'Failed To Liberate Kashmir': Taliban mock 'incompetent' Pak Army; Refute Indian proxy charge". YouTube. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  27. ^ a b PTI (8 November 2017). "Kashmir al-qaeda chief warns Pakistan against withdrawing support on Kashmir after the alliance with Hizbul". The Times of India. Retrieved 8 June 2012.
  28. ^ a b "Normalization of Indo-Pak ties hurts Kashmir cause: Syed Salahuddin & Zakir musa". Arab News. 8 November 2017. Retrieved 8 June 2012.
  29. ^ "Wilāyat Kashmīr". jihadology.net. Retrieved 18 December 2019.
  30. ^ "Country Reports on Terrorism 2020: India". US Department of State. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
  31. ^ a b c d "Army releases list of 12 most wanted militant in Kashmir Valley". Times of India. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  32. ^ "Zakir Musa Quits Hizbul Mujahideen Day After Threatening To Kill Hurriyat Leaders". News 18.
  33. ^ "Local Militant Group Claims It Informed Police About Hizb Commander Sabzar Bhat's Whereabout". Outlook. 2 June 2017. Archived from the original on 2 June 2017. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  34. ^ Rahul Kanwal (30 May 2017). "Was Sabzar Bhatt betrayed by boss Zakir Musa? Intel inputs suggest rift among Kashmiri terrorists". India Today. Retrieved 5 July 2019. Radio and mobile chatter intercepted by India's intelligence agencies reflect a high level of distrust between former Hizbul commander Zakir Musa and the terror outfit he had led till recently. In the aftermath of the encounter killing of Burhan Wani's successor, Sabzar Bhatt, Indian agencies have recorded multiple conversations where the Hizbul Mujahideen cadre can be heard discussing whether Zakir Musa betrayed Sabzar Bhatt. Hizbul terrorists seem to suspect that a personal messenger close to Musa tipped off the Jammu and Kashmir police about the location of Sabzar's hideout. Sabzar was killed in an encounter close to his hometown of Tral.
  35. ^ Zee Media Bureau (15 May 2017). "With Call For 'Islamic Rule', Zakir Musa May Have Signalled Ideological Split in Kashmir Terrorism". The Wire (Indian web publication). Archived from the original on 16 May 2017. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  36. ^ "Homecoming of Pandits in Kashmir's new age of militancy". www.dailyo.in. Retrieved 20 April 2020.
  37. ^ "Burhan Wani's successor requests Kashmiri Pandits to return, assures safety". Hindustan Times. 18 October 2016. Retrieved 20 April 2020.
  38. ^ Wani, Fayaz (1 September 2017). "Al Qaeda Kashmir head slams Pakistan for betraying Kashmir 'jehad', warns India". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 10 October 2017.
  39. ^ "Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind: Lingering Al Qaeda influence in Kashmir and Beyond". Society for the Study of Peace and Conflict. 25 August 2021. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  40. ^ "'The clock is ticking.' In Kashmir, parents try to find their militant sons before Indian forces get to them". Los Angeles Times. 28 August 2017. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  41. ^ "Kashmir freedom movement is indigenous, has no global agenda: Salahuddin". The INS News. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  42. ^ Network, KL News (28 July 2017). "'Kashmir freedom movement is indigenous', sans global agenda: Salahuddin". Kashmir Life. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  43. ^ Pandit, M. Saleem (18 September 2017). "Zakir musa Joined al-Qaeda'". Times of India. Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. Retrieved 18 December 2019.
  44. ^ Kumar, Ankit (27 December 2017). "In new video, Al-Qaeda says attacking Indian cities must to weaken security forces' grip on Kashmir". India Today. Archived from the original on 16 January 2019. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
  45. ^ "Alarming: Al-Qaeda puts India on hit list, calls for fresh attacks". www.timesnownews.com. Archived from the original on 16 January 2019. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
  46. ^ Zelin, Aaron Y. (7 December 2017). "New statement from Anṣār Ghazwat al-Hind: "Concerning Developments on Jerusalem"". jihadology.net. Retrieved 18 December 2019.
  47. ^ "Wilāyat Kashmīr". jihadology.net. Retrieved 18 December 2019.
  48. ^ Zelin, Aaron Y. (25 February 2018). "New video message from Anṣār Ghazwat al-Hind's Dhākr Musā: "Kashmir Will Become the Abode of Islam"". jihadology.net. Retrieved 18 December 2019.
  49. ^ "AQ-Aligned Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind Leader Calls 'Every Able Youth' to Attack Indian Army, Companies Seeking Investment in India". ent.siteintelgroup.com. 26 February 2018. Archived from the original on 27 May 2019. Retrieved 18 December 2019.
  50. ^ "Kashmir-focused Media Group Incites for Lone-Wolf Attacks in India". ent.siteintelgroup.com. 24 April 2016. Archived from the original on 27 May 2019. Retrieved 18 December 2019.
  51. ^ "Zakir Moosa May Be In Punjab, Disguised As Sikh, Warns Intel". Retrieved 15 November 2018.
  52. ^ "Srinagar: Sniper could be behind November 18 attack, says CRPF". Indian Express. Retrieved 29 December 2022.
  53. ^ "CRPF jawan on poll duty killed in terrorist attack, JeM claims responsibility". The State Man. Retrieved 29 December 2022.
  54. ^ "GTD ID:201811180017". Global Terrorism Database. Retrieved 29 December 2022.
  55. ^ Mohammad, Niala (21 November 2019). "Militant Group Vows Retaliation Following Indian Court Ruling". VoA News. Retrieved 18 December 2019.
  56. ^ "Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind Releases Promo of upcoming Video For Indian Muslims". YouTube. Retrieved 5 January 2020.
  57. ^ "Al-Qaeda outfit Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind's claim of Delhi bomb scare bogus: Delhi police". Retrieved 18 January 2022.
  58. ^ Kumar, Ankit (27 December 2017). "In new video, Al-Qaeda says attacking Indian cities must to weaken security forces' grip on Kashmir". India Today. Archived from the original on 16 January 2019. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
  59. ^ "Alarming: Al-Qaeda puts India on hit list, calls for fresh attacks". www.timesnownews.com. Archived from the original on 16 January 2019. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
  60. ^ "Major success for forces in Kashmir; Al-Qaeda affiliated commander, 5 other terrorists killed". Asian News International. 22 December 2018. Retrieved 12 July 2020.
  61. ^ "Arampora Encounter: The Complete Story". Kashmir Life. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  62. ^ Sandhu, Kamaljit Kaur; Shuja-ul-Haq (24 May 2019). "Burhan Wani's successor Zakir Musa killed in encounter, curfew in parts of Jammu and Kashmir". India Today. Living Media India Limited. Retrieved 24 May 2019.
  63. ^ "Zakir Musa: Death of Kashmir's Loneliest Militant". ETH Zurich. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  64. ^ "Zakir Musa: Thousands mourn India's 'most wanted' militant". BBC News. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  65. ^ "Big win for security forces; Zakir Musa's successor gunned down". Rediff. 23 October 2019. Retrieved 18 December 2019.
  66. ^ Javaid, Azaan (23 October 2019). "Zakir Musa's al Qaeda-inspired militant group 'wiped out' from Kashmir". ThePrint. Retrieved 3 June 2020.
  67. ^ "Al-Qaeda affiliate 'wiped out from Kashmir', group's chief Hamid Lehari killed, says police chief". Scroll.in. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  68. ^ Wani, Ashraf (22 April 2020). "4 militants killed in encounter at Kashmir's Shopian district". India Today. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
  69. ^ "2 overground workers of Hizbul Mujahideen and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind arrested in J-K's Pulwama". The New Indian Express. 22 May 2020. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
  70. ^ Majid,DHNS, Zulfikar. "Three AuGH militants killed in Kashmir's Shopian". Deccan Herald.
  71. ^ Ojha, Arvind (11 July 2015). "UP ATS nabs 2 Al Qaeda terrorists from Lucknow, foils major attack". India Today. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
  72. ^ ""The Killing of indian army soldiers linked with Abdullah's death Al-Qaeda linked militant who killed during a search operation against insurgents" Jammu and Kashmir Police claimed". 14 June 2022.