In a significant setback to Jaish-e-Mohammad, Maulana Salman, a key commander, passed away in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, after being struck by a vehicle. Known for his involvement in major attacks, including the 2001 Parliament and 2019 Pulwama attacks, Salman was a close associate of Jaish-e-Mohammad leader Masood Azhar. His funeral, attended by hundreds, was held promptly at Markaz Subhanallah in Bahawalpur.
Salman was among those injured during a bombing at Jaish’s Bahawalpur headquarters in response to Operation Sindoor by Indian armed forces. His demise adds to a series of mysterious deaths within Jaish and Lashkar-e-Taiba. This incident follows the recent assassination of Lashkar’s top cadre Sheikh Yusuf Afridi in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The spate of such deaths has severely impacted the leadership of both terror groups, raising questions about their future direction.
Reports suggest a leadership crisis within Jaish and Lashkar, with concerns over Masood Azhar’s health and calls for new leadership. The organizations, under ISI guidance, are grappling with the loss of key figures like Maulana Abdul Aziz Azar and Maualana Amir Hamza. The situation has led to a push for fresh leadership, signaling a turbulent period for these outfits in the wake of recent losses.
