Masood Azhar, Founder of JeM, Suffers Heart Attack in Afghanistan moved to Pakistan.
Maulana Masood Azhar, the notorious founder of the terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), has reportedly suffered a heart attack, according to sources. The incident occurred while Azhar was in Afghanistan, and he has since been transferred to a hospital in Pakistan for medical treatment.
Azhar’s health crisis comes at a time of heightened security tensions in South Asia, particularly after his group’s involvement in some of the deadliest terror attacks on Indian soil. His health deterioration raises questions about the future of JeM and its impact on regional stability. As the mastermind behind several high-profile terror attacks in India, including the Pulwama attack in 2019, Azhar’s condition may have far-reaching consequences.
Masood Azhar: A Legacy of Terror
Masood Azhar’s name is synonymous with some of the most brutal terrorist attacks on Indian soil. He was the mastermind behind the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, the 2016 Pathankot attack, and the 2019 Pulwama attack, which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel. Azhar’s group, JeM, has consistently targeted India, and his influence over the organization remains significant.
In 1999, following the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC-814, India was forced to release Azhar from an Indian prison as part of a hostage negotiation deal. This decision, which remains controversial, allowed Azhar to continue his terror activities, both as a leader of JeM and as a figurehead for Islamic radicalism in the region.
Azhar’s ties to Pakistan-based terror organizations have been well documented, and his ongoing involvement in terror activities has made him a key figure in the global war on terror. In September 2019, the Indian government took a significant step by designating Azhar as a “global terrorist” under the United Nations’ Security Council sanctions. This followed his prominent role in orchestrating attacks against India, solidifying his status as one of South Asia’s most wanted terrorists.
Azhar’s Health Crisis: A Setback for JeM
Reports of Masood Azhar’s heart attack have shocked the international community, especially given his central role in JeM’s operations. The timing of this health crisis is crucial, as Azhar’s declining health could disrupt JeM’s activities, but it might also lead to shifts in leadership within the organization.
While it is unclear whether Azhar will recover, the leadership vacuum created by his potential absence could have significant repercussions for JeM’s operational capabilities. JeM has always been a well-organized and secretive organization, and its future actions will likely depend on how effectively its leadership transitions during this crisis. It’s possible that the group may pivot to other leaders within its ranks, but any instability in leadership could lead to a temporary disruption in its operations.
Moreover, Azhar’s hospitalization in Pakistan raises concerns about how his health and the treatment he receives could affect Pakistan’s relationship with India and its role in supporting terrorist groups. The international community has long criticized Pakistan for its alleged support of groups like JeM, and Azhar’s health condition could lead to fresh scrutiny of Pakistan’s role in harboring such figures.
The Implications for Pakistan and India
Azhar’s influence over JeM, despite his health issues, cannot be understated. JeM remains one of the most dangerous terror outfits operating in South Asia, and its capabilities have been a persistent concern for both India and the international community.
In Pakistan, where Azhar is reported to be receiving medical treatment, the situation is politically sensitive. Pakistan has faced growing international pressure to clamp down on terrorism emanating from its soil, especially after high-profile attacks in India like the 2019 Pulwama attack. Azhar’s presence in Pakistan, despite the official stance of not supporting terrorism, only fuels suspicions about the country’s role in harboring terrorist leaders.
For India, Azhar’s health crisis presents both an opportunity and a challenge. On the one hand, the potential weakening of JeM’s leadership could provide India with a temporary respite from terror attacks. On the other hand, if JeM’s operations continue under new leadership, India will need to remain vigilant and prepared for further escalation.
Azhar and His Role in South Asian Terrorism
Azhar’s impact on regional security is far-reaching. His leadership of JeM has made him a central figure in the network of terrorism that plagues South Asia. The 2016 Pathankot attack, the 2019 Pulwama attack, and multiple smaller-scale attacks across India are a testament to the deep-rooted and far-reaching influence Azhar wields.
In the wake of his health issues, the question arises whether JeM can sustain its operations without him. While the group is likely to carry on under different leadership, Azhar’s personal involvement has been a driving force behind its success and the targeting of Indian security forces. This could mark a turning point in the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan-backed terror groups.
Global Response and Future Outlook
The international response to Azhar’s heart attack has been one of cautious observation. The United States, the European Union, and the United Nations have long condemned Azhar’s terror activities, and his potential absence from the leadership of JeM may have broader implications for global counterterrorism efforts. The shifting dynamics in JeM’s leadership could change how the group operates, its targets, and its relationship with other terrorist organizations in the region.
As for India, the focus will likely remain on maintaining heightened vigilance and preparing for potential retaliatory actions from JeM, especially if Azhar’s health crisis leads to a power struggle within the group.
Conclusion: The Future of JeM Without Azhar
While Masood Azhar’s health crisis may temporarily disrupt JeM’s operations, his long-standing role as the group’s mastermind means that his absence could also trigger a reorganization of the organization. As of now, the international community will be watching closely to see how this development impacts the wider terror network and the broader geopolitical landscape in South Asia.
For now, as Azhar is treated in Pakistan, the future of JeM, the threat of terrorism in the region, and the delicate political relationship between India and Pakistan remain uncertain. But one thing is clear: the fight against terrorism in South Asia is far from over.