Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has announced the formation of its first-ever women’s wing, named Jamaat-ul-Mominaat. The unit will be led by Sadiya Azhar, the sister of JeM chief Masood Azhar, who is a designated global terrorist, according to reports.
The creation of this brigade comes months after JeM suffered significant losses during Operation Sindoor, an Indian military operation that targeted and destroyed several of the group’s hideouts. In the aftermath, JeM has been actively seeking to rebuild its operations and expand its influence, including in India.
Recruitment for Jamaat-ul-Mominaat is underway in various regions, including Bahawalpur, Karachi, Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Haripur, and Mansehra. The group is enlisting women from vulnerable backgrounds, including the wives of its commanders and economically disadvantaged women studying at its centers. Sources indicate that JeM plans to utilise this women’s brigade for various operations, including potential suicide attacks, and to bolster its online presence to reach a broader audience.
The establishment of this women’s unit marks a significant shift in JeM’s strategy, reflecting an attempt to adapt and reorganize in the face of previous setbacks. The international community remains vigilant regarding the group’s activities and its implications for regional security.
