Lashkar-e-Taiba co-founder Amir Hamza critically injured in Lahore shooting attack

Amir Hamza, a founding member of Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has been shot by unknown gunmen in Lahore. He's currently admitted to a hospital and said to be in a critical condition.

According to available information, unidentified attackers opened fire on Hamza outside a news channel office in Lahore. He sustained severe injuries in the attack and was immediately admitted to a hospital, where his condition remains extremely critical, reported India Today.

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In a statement, a Lahore Police official said police responded to the incident of firing by unidentified individuals at the vehicle of the Chairman of Tehreek-e-Hurmat-e-Rasool Pakistan at Hamdard Chowk. The official said that all individuals in the vehicle remained safe. A high alert has been issued in the area, and search operations are underway to identify and arrest the perpetrators.

Hamza co-founded Lashkar-e-Taiba along with terrorist Hafiz Saeed. He has been linked to multiple terrorist activities, including several attacks in India.

He is a veteran of the Afghan mujahideen. Known for his fiery speeches and prolific writings, he was once the editor of LeT’s official publication and has authored several books, including Qafila Da'wat aur Shahadat in 2002 (Caravan of Proselytising and Martyrdom).

The United States Treasury Department has designated Lashkar-e-Taiba as a terrorist organisation and lists Hamza as a sanctioned terrorist. He is believed to have served on LeT’s central committee and played a critical role in fundraising, recruitment, and negotiations for the release of detained militants.

He served as the founding editor of Lashkar’s magazine “Majallah al-Daawa” and authored a book in 2002 titled “Qafila Da'wat aur Shahadat,” promoting extremist ideology.

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In 2018, following financial crackdowns on LeT-affiliated charities Jamaat-ud-Dawah and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation by Pakistani authorities, Hamza reportedly distanced himself from Lashkar. He subsequently founded a splinter group named Jaish-e-Manqafa, allegedly to continue militant operations, including in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to Indian media, this group is functioning freely within Pakistan and Hamza remains in close contact with LeT leadership.