Jaish-e-Mohammed likely to attack in next two days: Agencies

Intelligence agencies have found that the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) is planning more attacks on security convoys in the next two days in the upper reaches of North Jammu and Kashmir. The agencies came to know about it following inputs extracted from Tanzeem — a small terrorist group. The agencies have informed all the security forces as well as the Indian Army deployed in those areas to remain alert.

The agencies have found that terror attacks are being planned on the Chowkibal and Tangdhar routes and that one green Scorpio has been prepared for a probable suicide attack. The agencies are also aware that Pakistan-based terrorists are holed up in North Kashmir in large numbers.

They also intercepted a closed social media group linked to JeM that refers to the explosives detonated in last week's attack as just a 200 kg 'khilauna' (toy). The agencies further stated that terrorists are talking about how India should be ready for a 500-kg blast.

Ahead of the Pulwama attack on February 14, the agencies had informed security agencies about the possibility of an attack on February 2. The final input about the attack was shared on February 8. But as per the security agencies, the input was not specific and the route from Jammu to Srinagar was checked by bomb disposal squad for possible IED.

The CRPF convoy was taken aback when they found that it was a terror attack. The attack was planned after the killing of US designated global terrorist Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar's nephew Usman Haider on October, 31 2018 in Tral.

The JeM suicide bomber was identified as Adil Ahmed alias Abu Waqas, a resident of Pulwama.

The plan was put into execution after the arrival of JeM commander Abdul Rashid Gazi, who is presently believed to be based in Tral area of Pulwama.

The attack was planned for the first week of February in a run up to week long anniversary ceremony of Afzal Guru and Maqbool Bhat.

Adil had visited the highway with the vehicle on three occasions previously during this time February 2, February 6 and on February 8.

Finally, the date of attack was chosen to be February 9- the anniversary date of the execution of Afzal Guru. But due to general strike and closure of highway due to snowfall and avalanches - from February 7 to February 13 -- plan could not be executed.

And finally, it was on February 14th that the plan could be executed as huge number of security convoys were allowed to pass through.