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Pakistani terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has established a new women’s wing called ‘Jamaat ul-Mominaat,’ according to intelligence sources. The organization, founded by notorious terrorist Masood Azhar, announced the formation of the female brigade in early October alongside an online training course titled ‘Tufat al-Muminat’ aimed at recruitment and fundraising.
The group recently held a recruitment event called “Dukhtaran-e-Islam” in Rawalakot, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, on October 19. A series of online live lectures is scheduled to begin on November 8, marking the formal launch of the recruitment campaign.
According to sources cited by IANS, the women’s brigade will be led by Sadiya Azhar, sister of JeM founder Masood Azhar. Sadiya’s husband, Yusuf Azhar, was reportedly killed during India’s Operation Sindoor on May 7, when Indian armed forces targeted JeM’s headquarters at Markaz Subhanallah.
“Through online meeting platforms for 40 minutes each day, Masood Azhar’s two sisters, Sadiya Azhar and Samaira Azhar, will conduct classes to encourage women to join Jaish-e-Mohammed’s female brigade,” sources familiar with the development revealed. The virtual sessions will reportedly focus on teaching women their responsibilities through the lens of “jihad, religion, and Islam.”
The recruitment effort appears to be part of JeM’s strategy to rebuild its organizational capacity following significant setbacks during Operation Sindoor, when Indian forces destroyed the headquarters of several terror groups, including JeM, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Hizbul Mujahideen. The operation was launched in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people.
Since the strikes, these organizations have reportedly been relocating their bases to Pakistan’s volatile Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Sources indicate that terror leaders have been circulating propaganda videos and appealing for financial support to rebuild their infrastructure and cadre.
JeM is reportedly charging 500 Pakistani rupees from each woman enrolling in the course and requiring them to complete an information form online. This systematic approach suggests a well-planned recruitment strategy rather than a spontaneous initiative.
The development marks a significant shift in tactics for groups like JeM, LeT, and Hizbul Mujahideen, which have historically not utilized women operatives to the extent seen in other terror organizations. While groups such as ISIS and Hamas have a documented history of deploying female suicide bombers, South Asian terrorist organizations had largely refrained from this approach.
Intelligence sources now believe that JeM’s latest move indicates potential plans to train and deploy female suicide bombers in future operations, representing a concerning evolution in their tactics.
The formation of this women’s wing comes at a time when terror groups in the region are facing increased pressure from counterterrorism operations. Security analysts suggest that recruiting women may be a strategic adaptation to evade security measures that typically focus on male operatives.
Regional security experts note that women are often perceived as less suspicious by security forces, potentially allowing them to access areas that would be more difficult for male operatives to penetrate. Additionally, the recruitment of women can broaden the organization’s support base and create a more sustainable operational structure.
The development has raised concerns among security agencies across the region, who are now likely to adjust their counterterrorism strategies to address this emerging threat. Monitoring online recruitment platforms and identifying radicalization patterns among women will likely become higher priorities for intelligence services.
The growing involvement of women in South Asian terrorist organizations represents a troubling evolution in the region’s security landscape, potentially making counterterrorism efforts more complex and challenging in the years ahead.
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10 Comments
This is a concerning trend that highlights the adaptability of terrorist groups. We must continue to strengthen our defenses against such manipulative tactics that aim to expand the reach of extremism.
Absolutely. Countering the narrative and providing alternative pathways for women’s empowerment will be crucial in combating this threat. Vigilance and cooperation among stakeholders is essential.
Deeply concerning to see terror groups exploiting women’s empowerment rhetoric for their own nefarious aims. This highlights the need for robust counterterrorism efforts that also address the complex social dynamics enabling such manipulation.
Jaish-e-Mohammed’s efforts to recruit women under the guise of empowerment is a disturbing development. Authorities must act swiftly to disrupt these activities and protect vulnerable populations from extremist influence.
While the idea of a women’s brigade may seem progressive, it’s clear this is merely a cynical ploy by a notorious terrorist organization. We must remain vigilant and not let such manipulative tactics succeed.
Agreed. Promoting genuine women’s empowerment and social development should be the priority, not allowing extremist groups to exploit vulnerable populations. Robust counterterrorism efforts are crucial in this regard.
This is a concerning example of how terrorist groups are adapting their tactics to appeal to a wider audience. Authorities must closely monitor these activities and take decisive action to disrupt any attempts to radicalize and recruit women.
While the concept of a women’s brigade may seem empowering, it’s clear this is just a cynical ploy by JeM to expand their terror activities. We must remain vigilant and not allow extremist narratives to take root, especially among vulnerable populations.
Agreed. Empowering women should never come at the cost of promoting violence and extremism. The international community must work to counter these tactics and provide genuine opportunities for women’s advancement.
Using online platforms to recruit and radicalize women is a disturbing development. Authorities must closely monitor these activities and shut down any efforts to exploit women for terrorist purposes.