Vicky Nanjappa expalins why the Lashkar-e-Tayiba may have its sights set on the US and use HuJI to carry out attacks in India.
Terror outfit Lashkar-e-Tayiba has been trying for some time to let its partner Harkat-ul-Jihadi carry out subversive operations in India, as it wants to concentrate on staging a major strike in the United States.
Lashkar is actively patronised by Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence. After the 26/11 terror strikes in Mumbai, several Lashkar cadres wanted to cross over to Afghanistan and plan a strike in the US. But the ISI turned down this plan and assured them that a bigger terror strike was in the pipeline.
The terror plan, originally put together by the Al Qaeda's 313 Brigade, was handed over to the LeT.
Intelligence inputs from India on the operations of the LeT indicate that trouble is brewing in this nexus between the LeT, ISI and Al Qaeda. Many LeT cadres want to avenge the death of Osama bin Laden, who was killed in a special operation by US commandos in Pakistan.
The Lashkar perceives this as a perfect opportunity to take over the reins of the Al Qaeda. Bin Laden was the glue that kept the Al Qaeda together and after his death, there is a lot of chaos and factionalism within the terror outfit.
Many LeT militants are wary of these recent developments, as only the Al Qaeda had the resources and manpower to hit out at the US. If the outfit splits into many factions, LeT fears that the 'war' against the US may be lost.
Stephen Tankel, an expert on LeT and its activities, points out that the terror group has a deep rooted network and it is best equipped to attack the US when compared to other outfits.
ISI is watching these changes nervously and trying its best to contain the LeT. The Pakistani spy agency is trying to establish its credentials in the international community right now and it can't risk the LeT striking out at the US.
The LeT has been clearly told to continue focusing on Kashmir and other terror operations in India.
In spite of the recent problems, the LeT remains the terror outfit closest to the ISI, as it has remained loyal to the spy agency. The agency would do everything in its power to curb a revolt in the Lashkar's ranks.
According to sources in the Intelligence Bureau, the LeT has increased its capabilities considerably, as evinced by the training it imparted to Pakistani-American David Headley.
LeT cadres are also actively networking with elements in the underworld, who have helped them use alternate routes including those used for drug trafficking.
The LeT's cadres are located not only in India but also in Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand, the US, London and Nigeria among other nations, where they have a dedicated network.
Lashkar, which also has dangerous terrorists like Sajid Mir among its cadres, has the potential to turn into a nightmare for the US.
