Abdul Rehman Maki, a key mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, passed away due to a heart attack in Pakistan. His involvement in various terrorist activities has significant ramifications in the fight against global terrorism. Here’s a detailed breakdown of his role and actions:
1. 26/11 Mumbai Attack
On November 26, 2008, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a Pakistan-based terrorist group, sent 10 terrorists to Mumbai, who carried out coordinated attacks across the city. The targets included:
- Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
- Oberoi Trident Hotel
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Railway Station
- Nariman House (Jewish center)
- Leopold Café
The attack resulted in 166 deaths and over 300 injuries. This incident shocked the world and raised awareness about the increasing threat of terrorism, leading to significant changes in India’s counter-terrorism strategies.
2. Abdul Rehman Maki’s Role:
Abdul Rehman Maki was a senior leader in Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), one of the most notorious terrorist organizations. He played a significant role in funding and planning terrorist activities, including the 26/11 attack.
Later, he became the leader of Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), a front organization for LeT. Maki was closely associated with Hafiz Saeed, the founder of LeT, and was involved in planning major attacks in India. He was also accused of providing financial support to these terror operations.
3. Involvement in Other Attacks:
Maki was implicated in several terrorist attacks, including:
- 2000 Delhi Red Fort attack
- 2008 Ramphur CRPF camp attack
- 2018 killing of Kashmiri journalist Sujatha Bukhari and two security guards
These attacks, carried out by various cells under his influence, further emphasized his role in global terrorism.
4. Arrest and Legal Actions:
In 2019, Maki was arrested by the Pakistani authorities and placed under house arrest in Lahore. In 2020, a Pakistani court sentenced him to life imprisonment for providing financial assistance to terrorism. This sentence was a part of Pakistan’s increasing pressure from international bodies to curb terrorist activities within its borders.
5. Death:
On December 26, 2024, Abdul Rehman Maki passed away from a heart attack in Lahore, Pakistan. He had been suffering from health issues, including diabetes, which worsened in recent days. He was admitted to a hospital for intensive treatment but succumbed to a heart attack. His death has come as a significant development, especially in the context of the Mumbai terror attack and other related operations.
6. Connections to Global Terrorism:
Maki was known for his deep connections to various terrorist organizations, including LeT and JuD. He was involved in planning attacks, financing terror, and coordinating operations across multiple countries. His association with Hafiz Saeed and his direct role in the 26/11 Mumbai attack made him one of the most wanted terrorists globally.
7. International Recognition as a Terrorist:
Maki was declared an international terrorist by the United Nations Security Council due to his role in terrorist activities and his direct involvement in the planning and execution of attacks, particularly those targeting India. His actions, along with other leaders of LeT, have been at the center of global counter-terrorism efforts.
8. Impact on India-Pakistan Relations:
Maki’s death, especially in connection with his role in the Mumbai attacks, continues to affect the strained relationship between India and Pakistan. India has long been calling for more robust action against terrorist elements in Pakistan, particularly those linked to LeT and JuD. His death might be seen as a turning point in the broader fight against terrorism but also raises questions about Pakistan’s commitment to cracking down on terror groups operating within its borders.
In conclusion, Abdul Rehman Maki’s death marks the end of a significant chapter in the fight against terrorism, but his legacy of violence and terror continues to resonate in the ongoing battle for peace and security in the region.
