Sajid Mir, a notorious Lashkar-e-Taiba leader considered one of the masterminds behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks, is currently in critical condition after being mysteriously poisoned inside a Pakistani prison. This incident adds a new chapter to the already complex story of Mir, a man who has evaded justice for years.
Mir’s arrest in April 2022 came under immense pressure from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an international organization focused on combating financial crimes. This move followed years of denial by Pakistan regarding Mir’s presence in the country. However, the arrest was met with skepticism, particularly considering China’s refusal to designate Mir as a global terrorist just months prior.
Prior to his arrest, Mir had been a ghost figure, operating behind the scenes and orchestrating attacks with near impunity. He rose through the ranks of Lashkar-e-Taiba, becoming a trainer and coordinator for foreign recruits, building a network that spanned across continents. Mir’s influence extended beyond the Mumbai attacks, with connections to militants in Virginia and other locations.
In a further twist that raised eyebrows, China blocked a joint proposal by India and the US to designate Mir as a global terrorist under the UN Security Council’s 1267 sanctions committee.
His alleged poisoning raises serious questions about the Pakistani government’s commitment to combating terrorism. Critics argue that the incident is an attempt to silence Mir and prevent him from revealing any sensitive information. Others suspect foul play from elements within Pakistan’s security establishment, who may view Mir as a liability.
December 2023
Sources: various media and social media sites.