ISI control of militant group operations

Following Operation Sindoor, reports indicate that Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has taken direct control over the operations of major terror groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Hizbul Mujahideen, and Jaish-e-Mohammed. Intelligence officials suggest a shift toward a centralized command structure where a Brigadier and a Colonel oversee group operations to ensure synergy. This new strategy involves modified infiltration attempts across the Line of Control (LoC), utilizing small, mixed teams of three terrorists acting under direct ISI instruction. Over 500 terrorists are reportedly positioned near the border awaiting orders.

Concurrently, the ISI has significantly increased security around LeT founder Hafiz Saeed following alleged assassination attempts. While Saeed is serving a sentence for terror financing, security measures include increased manpower and strict scrutiny of visitors. Due to heightened threat perceptions, Saeed has reportedly restricted his movements and ceased in-person meetings, opting to communicate via audio messages instead. This security escalation occurs as LeT attempts to rebuild its network after the destruction of its primary training facility in Muridke during Operation Sindoor.