Overview
- Saifullah Kasuri, identified as Lashkar-e-Taiba’s deputy chief, told students at a school event in Pakistan that the Army invites him to its functions and to lead funeral prayers for its soldiers.
- Kasuri also claimed that India is fearful of him and reiterated the group’s focus on Kashmir, according to the footage circulated online.
- Hindustan Times reported it could not independently verify the video, which several Indian outlets aired as it went viral.
- Separate intelligence-based reporting cited by CNN-News18 says LeT is demolishing and rebuilding its Markaz Taiba headquarters in Muridke after Indian strikes, with completion targeted before February 5.
- Kasuri has been described in Indian reports as an accused mastermind of the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people, an incident that preceded India’s May 7 Operation Sindoor strikes and a May 10 understanding to halt hostilities.