LeT and ISKP Form Covert Alliance, Threatens India

A new intelligence report has revealed a concerning alliance between the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), raising alarms about national security in India. This collaboration, reportedly supported by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), aims to destabilize regions including Balochistan and Jammu and Kashmir.

The alliance comes after significant losses for LeT during Operation Sindoor, which targeted their base in Muridke, Pakistan. Following this operation, LeT is believed to be relocating closer to the Afghanistan border, with assistance from Pakistan in rebuilding their infrastructure. The ISKP, which has established bases in Mastung and Khuzdar, is now tasked with operations against Baloch insurgents and potential attacks on India.

A video circulating on social media shows LeT commander Rana Muhammad Ashfaq training alongside ISKP’s Mir Shafiq Mengal, indicating a formal partnership. A recent photograph further illustrates this collaboration, with Mengal handing a pistol to Ashfaq, symbolizing their united front against common adversaries.

Experts warn that this alliance mirrors past collaborations, such as LeT’s ties with al-Qaeda during the Afghan conflict. Analysts suggest that the ISI is leveraging this partnership to reignite militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, posing a renewed threat to India. The ISKP’s propaganda has also hinted at plans to intensify attacks in the region.

Arun Gupta, a former deputy NSA, stated, “Pakistan is a master in proxy wars, using terrorist groups to fight insurgencies, but unintended consequences are inevitable. India must remain vigilant.” Security agencies are being urged to enhance surveillance and tighten border security to counter potential threats from this emerging nexus. The situation remains tense, particularly following recent attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures to maintain stability in the region.