The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has officially confirmed the death of Hafiz Abdul Salam Bhuttavi, a founding member of Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) and the deputy to Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. This revelation comes after the narrative summary about Bhuttavi was made available on the Committee’s website on March 14, 2012, with the latest update on December 19, 2023. Bhuttavi played a crucial role in the planning and execution of the Mumbai attacks, which resulted in over 150 casualties.
Bhuttavi’s Role in LeT and Mumbai Attacks:
According to the UNSC, Hafiz Abdul Salam Bhuttavi was not only a founding member of LeT but also served as the deputy to LeT emir Hafiz Muhammad Saeed. Bhuttavi took on the role of acting emir of LeT/Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) on multiple occasions when Saeed was detained. Additionally, he was responsible for LeT/JuD’s madrassah network and served as the preeminent scholar, instructing leaders and members and issuing fatwas authorizing LeT/JuD operations.
Bhuttavi’s involvement in preparing operatives for the November 2008 terrorist assault in Mumbai was significant. He delivered lectures on the merits of martyrdom operations, contributing to the devastating outcome of the attacks. The UNSC acknowledges Bhuttavi’s responsibility for LeT/JuD’s madrassah network, emphasizing his integral role in shaping the organization’s ideology and operational strategies.
Establishment of LeT Organizational Base:
In mid-2002, Bhuttavi was entrusted with the task of establishing an organizational base for LeT in Lahore, Pakistan. This underscores his leadership role and influence within the group’s hierarchy, contributing to its operational expansion.
Association with Al-Qaida:
The UNSC listed Hafiz Abdul Salam Bhuttavi on March 14, 2012, as being associated with Al-Qaida for participating in or supporting the activities of Lashkar-e-Tayyiba. This designation highlights Bhuttavi’s connections to broader terrorist networks and his involvement in facilitating or perpetrating acts on behalf of LeT.
Handling Leadership During Detentions:
Following the detention of Hafiz Saeed after the November 2008 Mumbai attacks, Bhuttavi assumed a crucial role in handling LeT’s day-to-day functions and making independent decisions on behalf of the organization. Saeed’s periodic detentions underscore the fluid leadership dynamics within the group, with Bhuttavi taking charge during crucial periods.
Bhuttavi’s Death in Custody:
On May 29, 2023, Hafiz Abdul Salam Bhuttavi, 26/11 mastermind passed away due to cardiac arrest while serving his sentence in a jail in Muridke, Punjab Province, Pakistan. The UNSC officially confirmed his death, highlighting that it occurred while he was in the custody of the Government of Pakistan. This revelation closes a chapter in the saga of individuals involved in orchestrating one of the deadliest terror attacks in recent history.
Significance of UNSC’s Confirmation:
The UNSC’s confirmation of 26/11 mastermind death holds significance in the context of counterterrorism efforts and the global fight against extremist ideologies. It reaffirms the international community’s commitment to addressing individuals associated with designated terrorist organizations and holding them accountable for their actions. The demise of a key figure like Bhuttavi marks a symbolic victory in the ongoing struggle against transnational terrorism.
The official confirmation of Hafiz Abdul Salam Bhuttavi’s death by the UNSC sheds light on the intricate web of individuals involved in planning and executing acts of terrorism. Bhuttavi’s role in LeT, particularly during Saeed’s detentions, underscores the organization’s resilience and adaptability in the face of leadership challenges. As the international community continues its efforts to combat terrorism, such confirmations serve as reminders of the importance of sustained cooperation and vigilance in addressing threats posed by extremist groups worldwide.
