Azam Cheema, identified as a senior commander within the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist group and a pivotal conspirator in the infamous 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has succumbed to a heart attack. This event transpired in Faisalabad city, Pakistan, as disclosed by authoritative intelligence sources.According to these sources, Cheema held a central role in orchestrating the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, marking him as a key figure in one of the most heinous acts of terrorism in recent history. Furthermore, the intelligence reports assert that Cheema was not a newcomer to such malevolent endeavors, linking him to the masterminding of the 2006 train bombings in Mumbai. This earlier incident resulted in the tragic loss of 188 lives and left more than 800 individuals injured.Cheema was a high-ranking commander and intelligence chief for Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a militant organization based in Pakistan. He played an instrumental role in LeTs terror operations targeting India. Firstly, Cheema was considered the mastermind behind LeTs most devastating terror strikes on Indian soil, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the 2006 Mumbai train bombings that claimed hundreds of lives. His expertise in intelligence gathering and logistical planning was crucial for these attacks.Secondly, Cheema was an elusive operative who moved discreetly with bodyguards. He utilized his skills in areas like map reading to coordinate various terror attacks in India. Cheema was also actively involved in training LeT militants at camps in Pakistan. He helped indoctrinate the trainees on radical ideologies and motive them to execute terror strikes across the border.Even the US Department of Treasury designated Cheema as a key commander of LeT due to his high position in the terror outfit and ties with al-Qaeda. This highlighted his central role in LeTs operations.Lastly, in 2008, Cheema was appointed as operations advisor to Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, the LeT commander responsible for planning the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. This further demonstrated Cheemas seniority in LeTs leadership.As a high-value intelligence and operations chief, Cheema was a vital asset for LeT in carrying out terror attacks against India. His recent death in Pakistan is thus considered a major setback for LeTs anti-India terror infrastructure and planning capabilities.
