Masood Azhar's JeM Operations Exposed
The complex network of funding and operations has been uncovered, revealing the extent of JeM's activities and its ability to adapt to international pressure. The group's leadership, including Masood Azhar, continues to play a key role in its operations, with foreign funding and front organisations facilitating its activities.
Pakistan-based groups Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) have a complex command hierarchy, funding channels, and operational bases, with Jaish-e-Mohammed's top leadership including Maulana Masood Azhar as the Emir.
The leadership of Jaish-e-Mohammed includes Mohammad Hasan as the spokesperson, Maulana Qari Masood Ahmed as the Chief of Propaganda Wing, and Mufti Asghar as the Chief Commander of Operations. Lashkar-e-Taiba's leadership includes Hafiz Mohammad Saeed as the Chief, who is transferring power to his son Talha Saeed, and Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi as the Chief of Operations.
The terrorist groups have front organisations, including Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), Falah-e-Insaniyat Foundation (FIF), Al Madina, and Aiser Foundation, which are used to circumvent sanctions and fundraise. The funding network is facilitated by Jamaat-e-Islami's hawala network, which transfers funds across the subcontinent to support LeT's operations in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) is receiving foreign funding from the UK through several trusts, including Ummah Welfare Trust UK, Umma Peshawar Trust, and Taj Naseeb Amma/Uma Welfare Trust. The trusts are associated with the JeM and generate funds through local and international channels to provide logistical support to the outfit.
The exposure of JeM's operations and funding networks has raised concerns about the group's ability to evade international sanctions and continue its activities. The use of proxy groups and front organisations has allowed JeM to maintain its operations, despite increased scrutiny.