Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind

2021-10-07T12:28:06Z

154.192.166.245: /* History and Objective */

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}
{{Infobox war faction
| name = Ansar Ghazwat ul-Hind
| founder = *[[Zakir Rashid Bhat]]{{KIA}}<ref name="named">{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/al-qaida-linked-cell-ansar-ghazwat-ul-hind-announces-zakir-musa-as-its-chief-in-kashmir/articleshow/59792567.cms|title=Al-Qaida-linked cell Ansar Ghazwat-Ul-Hind announces Zakir Musa as its chief in Kashmir|newspaper=Times of India|date=27 July 2017}}</ref>
*Abu Dujana{{KIA}}<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/abu-dujana-first-martyr-in-war-for-islamic-kashmir-joined-al-qaeda-zakir-musa/story-ySsuQl70Kp6zvbswW2AjKL.html|title=Abu Dujana helped set up al Qaeda in India: Zakir Musa in purported statement|newspaper=Hindustan Times|date=5 August 2017}}</ref>
*Arif Lelhari{{KIA}}<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/abu-dujana-first-martyr-in-war-for-islamic-kashmir-joined-al-qaeda-zakir-musa/story-ySsuQl70Kp6zvbswW2AjKL.html|title=Abu Dujana helped set up al Qaeda in India: Zakir Musa in purported statement|newspaper=Hindustan Times|date=5 August 2017}}</ref>
| founding_leader =
| leader = [[Zakir Rashid Bhat]]{{KIA}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/zakir-musa-jammu-and-kashmir-s-most-wanted-militant-martyred-in-encounter-cops/story-ukTlrPOnEVzl9nddbJ99II.html|title=Zakir Musa, Jammu and Kashmir's most wanted militant, killed in encounter: Police
|newspaper=Hindustan Times|date=23 May 2019}}</ref> (2017-19) Hameed Lelhari{{KIA}}<ref name="indiatoday">{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/zakir-musa-successor-killed-awantipora-encounter-1612053-2019-10-23|title=J&K: Zakir Musa's successor killed in Awantipora encounter|website=India Today|author=Ashraf Wani|date=23 October 2019|access-date=19 December 2020}}</ref> (2019) Imtiyaz Shah{{KIA}}<ref>{{Cite web|title=Al Qaeda-Inspired Group 'Wiped Out', 7 Militants Including its Chief Killed in Kashmir|url=https://www.news18.com/amp/news/india/al-qaeda-inspired-group-wiped-out-7-militants-including-its-chief-killed-in-kashmir-3622901.html|access-date=2021-04-09|website=News18}}</ref> (2019-2021) Hafiz Mustafa Abdul Kareem (2021–present)
| headquarters =
| native_name = انصار غزوات الهند
| native_name_lang = Urdu
| war = [[Kashmir conflict]] and the [[Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir]]
| image = Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind Flag.png
| image_size = 200px
| status = Active
| caption = Flag of Ansar Ghazwat ul-Hind
| active = July 2017–Present<ref name="named">{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/al-qaida-linked-cell-ansar-ghazwat-ul-hind-announces-zakir-musa-as-its-chief-in-kashmir/articleshow/59792567.cms|title=Al-Qaida-linked cell Ansar Ghazwat-Ul-Hind announces Zakir Musa as its chief in Kashmir|newspaper=Times of India|date=27 July 2017}}</ref>
| ideology = [[Ghazwa-e-Hind]]
| clans =
| area = [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]]
| religion =
| size =
| partof = [[File:Flag of Jihad.svg|22px]] [[Al-Qaeda]]
| merger_of =
| allies =
| opponents = {{flag|India}}
| battles = [[Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir]]
| Media = [[Global Islamic Media Front]]
}}
'''Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind''' ({{lang-ur|{{nq|انصار غزوات الهند}}}}) is a Islamist Militant Kashmiri wing of [[Al-Qaeda]] active in the Indian union territory of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]].It was founded in 2017 by [[Zakir Rashid Bhat]] and he claimed his objective is imposing [[Sharia]] in [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu & Kashmir]].<ref name="Times of India">{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/army-releases-list-of-12-most-wanted-terrorists-in-kashmir-valley/articleshow/58943727.cms|title=Army releases list of 12 most wanted militant in Kashmir Valley|website=Times of India|access-date=2 June 2017}}</ref>

==History and Objective==
[[Zakir Rashid Bhat]] was a [[Islamist]] Kashmiri militant. He was popular by the name '''Zakir Musa''' among Kashmiri people. He was a former field operational commander of [[Hizbul Mujahideen]] and founder of the Kashmiri wing of [[Al-Qaeda]], Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind.<ref name="Times of India">{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/army-releases-list-of-12-most-wanted-terrorists-in-kashmir-valley/articleshow/58943727.cms|title=Army releases list of 12 most wanted militant in Kashmir Valley|website=Times of India|access-date=2 June 2017}}</ref> In 2017 '''Zakir Musa''' split from [[Hizbul Mujahideen]] and later joined [[Al-Qaeda]] and formed [[Al-Qaeda|Al-Qaeda's]] Kashmiri Wing '''Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind''' as he was impressed by [[Al-Qaeda|Al-Qaeda's]] religious objective of imposing [[Sharia]] in the [[Kashmir]] region.
In July 2017, the [[Global Islamic Media Front]] claimed that Zakir Musa had been named the head of [[Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind]], a newly created [[Clandestine cell system|cell]] of [[Al-Qaeda]].<ref name="named">{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/al-qaida-linked-cell-ansar-ghazwat-ul-hind-announces-zakir-musa-as-its-chief-in-kashmir/articleshow/59792567.cms|title=Al-Qaida-linked cell Ansar Ghazwat-Ul-Hind announces Zakir Musa as its chief in Kashmir|newspaper=Times of India|date=27 July 2017}}</ref> After the killing of militant commander Abu Dujana and Arif Lelhari, a statement purported to be from Musa was released. The statement claimed that Dujana and Lelhari had joined [[Al-Qaeda]] and helped establish it. Officials stated that the voice of the message matched those of the earlier audio clips by Musa, though the state's [[Director General of Police|DGP]] [[Shesh Paul Vaid|S.P. Vaid]] stated there was no way of authenticating the clips even though there were reports that Dujana and Musa were close at the time. Meanwhile, an audio-clip circulated on media that claimed to be the last message from Dujana and Arif during their encounter. Two voices claim allegiance to [[Al-Qaeda]]; however, no gunfire is heard and the authenticity of the clip was not proven.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/abu-dujana-first-martyr-in-war-for-islamic-kashmir-joined-al-qaeda-zakir-musa/story-ySsuQl70Kp6zvbswW2AjKL.html|title=Abu Dujana helped set up al Qaeda in India: Zakir Musa in purported statement|newspaper=Hindustan Times|date=5 August 2017}}</ref>

==Etymology==
The group derives its name from the Islamic prophecy of [[Ghazwa-e-Hind]], the ultimate conquest of India. ''Ansar'' means supporters.

==Leadership suhail Rashid bhat new cheif in kashmir valley active in 2017 :21==
In July 2017, the [[Global Islamic Media Front]] claimed that [[Zakir Musa]] had been named the head of Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind.<ref name="The Tribune">{{Cite news |url=https://www.globaldailytribune.com/news/national/zakir-musa-will-lead-new-outfit-kashmir |title=Zakir Musa Will Lead New Outfit in Kashmir |first=Simarjeet |last=Kaur |date=28 July 2017 |newspaper=[[Global Daily Tribune]] |access-date=4 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804055648/https://www.globaldailytribune.com/news/national/zakir-musa-will-lead-new-outfit-kashmir |archive-date=4 August 2017}}</ref><ref name="named2">{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/al-qaida-linked-cell-ansar-ghazwat-ul-hind-announces-zakir-musa-as-its-chief-in-kashmir/articleshow/59792567.cms |title=Al-Qaida-linked cell Ansar Ghazwat-Ul-Hind announces Zakir Musa as its chief in Kashmir |date=27 July 2017 |newspaper=[[Times of India]] |access-date=18 December 2019 |publisher=[[Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.]]}}</ref><ref name="Blames">{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/hizbul-blames-zakir-musa-for-helping-forces-kill-kashmiris/articleshow/60725318.cms |title=Hizbul blames Zakir Musa for 'helping forces kill Kashmiris' |last=Pandit |first=M. Saleem |date=18 September 2017 |newspaper=[[Times of India]] |publisher=[[Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.]] |access-date=18 December 2019}}</ref>

==Activity and affiliation==
On 7 December 2017 the group released a statement that condemned [[United States President]] [[Donald Trump's]] declaration of moving the United States embassy in [[Israel]] from [[Tel Aviv]] to [[Jerusalem]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://jihadology.net/2017/12/07/new-statement-from-an%E1%B9%A3ar-ghazwat-al-hind-concerning-developments-on-jerusalem/ |title=New statement from Anṣār Ghazwat al-Hind: "Concerning Developments on Jerusalem" |work=jihadology.net |date=7 December 2017 |access-date=18 December 2019 |first=Aaron Y. |last=Zelin}}</ref>

On 25 December 2017, in a video of a Kashmiri militant declaring allegiance to the [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]] and declaring a [[ISIL territorial claims|new ISIL Province]] in Kashmir, the fighter called on Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind to ally with or give allegiance to ISIL and wage Jihad in Kashmir against the Indian government but the group declined.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://jihadology.net/category/the-islamic-state/wilayat-kashmir/ |title=Wilāyat Kashmīr |work=jihadology.net |access-date=18 December 2019}}</ref>

In February 2018, the group released a video of Zakir Musa calling on Indian Muslims to attack [[Indian army]] patrols and checkpoints as well as companies interested in investing in India.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://jihadology.net/2018/02/25/new-video-message-from-an%E1%B9%A3ar-ghazwat-al-hinds-dhakr-musa-kashmir-will-become-the-abode-of-islam/ |title=New video message from Anṣār Ghazwat al-Hind's Dhākr Musā: "Kashmir Will Become the Abode of Islam" |work=jihadology.net |date=25 February 2018 |access-date=18 December 2019 |first=Aaron Y. |last=Zelin}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://ent.siteintelgroup.com/Statements/aq-aligned-ansar-ghazwat-ul-hind-leader-calls-every-able-youth-to-attack-indian-army-companies-seeking-investment-in-india.html |title=AQ-Aligned Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind Leader Calls 'Every Able Youth' to Attack Indian Army, Companies Seeking Investment in India |work=[[ent.siteintelgroup.com]] |date=26 February 2018 |access-date=18 December 2019}}</ref>

In April 2018, the group published material that encouraged [[Muslims]] across India and Kashmir to carry out [[Lone wolf (terrorism)|lone wolf attacks]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://ent.siteintelgroup.com/Chatter/kashmir-focused-media-group-incites-for-lone-wolf-attacks-in-india.html |title=Kashmir-focused Media Group Incites for Lone-Wolf Attacks in India |work=[[ent.siteintelgroup.com]] |date=24 April 2016 |access-date=18 December 2019}}</ref>

On 21 November 2019, the group released a video condemning the Indian court ruling on the Babri Masjid. The group urged Muslims to retaliate against the decision.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.voanews.com/extremism-watch/militant-group-vows-retaliation-following-indian-court-ruling |title=Militant Group Vows Retaliation Following Indian Court Ruling |first=Niala |last=Mohammad |date=21 November 2019 |access-date=18 December 2019 |work=[[VoA News]]}}</ref> The group's deputy chief Burhan Koka was killed in an encounter in Shopian's Melhora area on 29 April 2020 along with 2 other associates.
<ref>[https://www.deccanherald.com/national/north-and-central/three-augh-militants-killed-in-kashmir-s-shopian-831410.html Three AuGH militants killed in Kashmir’s Shopian]</ref>

==Operations against Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind==
{{update|military "eradication" which was again announced in April '21 following further engagements|date=April 2021}}
On 21 December 2018, the group's deputy leader Soliha Mohammad Akhoon, also known as Rehaan Khan, was killed in an encounter with 55 [[Rashtriya Rifles]] and [[CRPF]] along with five other militants.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/major-success-for-forces-in-kashmir-al-qaeda-affiliated-commander-5-other-terrorists-killed201812221447330002 |title=Major success for forces in Kashmir; Al-Qaeda affiliated commander, 5 other terrorists killed |work=[[Asian News International]] |date=22 December 2018 |access-date=12 July 2020}}</ref>

On 24 May 2019, Indian security forces killed [[Zakir Rashid Bhat|Zakir Musa]] in an encounter in Tral region of Jammu and Kashmir. Security forces had to blast a chemist's house where Musa was hiding. The owner was sent in for negotiation to surrender, but Musa declined.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ansar-ghazwat-ul-hind-chief-zakir-musa-killed-in-encounter-in-kashmir-s-tral-1533383-2019-05-24 |title=Burhan Wani's successor Zakir Musa killed in encounter, curfew in parts of Jammu and Kashmir |magazine=[[India Today]] |access-date=24 May 2019 |first=Kamaljit Kaur |last=Sandhu |author2=Shuja-ul-Haq |date=24 May 2019 |publisher=[[Living Media]] India Limited}}</ref>

On 22 October 2019, Indian security forces killed Hameed Lehari in an encounter in Awantipora, Jammu and Kashmir. He was the second leader of the organisation.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://m.rediff.com/news/report/big-win-for-security-forces-zakir-musas-successor-killed-in-jk/20191023.htm |title=Big win for security forces; Zakir Musa's successor gunned down |date=23 October 2019 |access-date=18 December 2019 |work=[[Rediff]]}}</ref>

Jammu and Kashmir's [[Director general of police|Director General of Police]], Dilbag Singh, said that the Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind has been "wiped out of Kashmir" on 23 October 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Javaid|first=Azaan|date=2019-10-23|title=Zakir Musa's al Qaeda-inspired militant group 'wiped out' from Kashmir|url=https://theprint.in/india/zakir-musas-al-qaeda-inspired-militant-group-wiped-out-from-kashmir/310070/|access-date=2020-06-03|website=ThePrint|language=en-US}}</ref>

On 22 April 2020, four militants of the group were killed in [[Shopian district]]'s Melhora village during an encounter with Indian Army's 55 [[Rashtriya Rifles]] and the [[CRPF]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Wani|first=Ashraf|date=22 April 2020|title=4 militants killed in encounter at Kashmir's Shopian district|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/2-militants-killed-in-encounter-at-kashmir-s-shopian-district-one-trapped-1669621-2020-04-22|access-date=2020-06-08|website=India Today}}</ref> Two [[Over ground worker|over-ground workers]] of Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind had been captured in [[Pulwama district]] on 22 May.<ref>{{Cite web|date=22 May 2020|title=2 overground workers of Hizbul Mujahideen and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind arrested in J-K's Pulwama|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/may/22/2-overground-workers-of-hizbul-mujahideen-and-ansar-ghazwat-ul-hind-arrested-in-j-ks-pulwama-2146696.html|access-date=2020-06-08|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>

On 9 April 2021, Jammu and Kashmir's [[Director general of police|Director General of Police]], Dilbag Singh, said that the Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind has been "wiped out of Kashmir" for a second time, after 7 militants including its chief were killed in an encounter.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Al Qaeda-Inspired Group 'Wiped Out', 7 Militants Including its Chief Killed in Kashmir|url=https://www.news18.com/amp/news/india/al-qaeda-inspired-group-wiped-out-7-militants-including-its-chief-killed-in-kashmir-3622901.html|access-date=2021-04-09|website=News18}}</ref>

On 11 July 2021, Prashant Kumar, ADG Law and Order, UP, said, “ATS UP has uncovered a big terror module. The team has arrested two terrorists linked with al-Qaeda's Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind.”<ref>{{Cite web|last1=DelhiJuly 11|first1=Arvind Ojha New|last2=July 11|first2=2021UPDATED|last3=Ist|first3=2021 17:25|title=UP ATS nabs 2 Al Qaeda terrorists from Lucknow, foils major attack|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/up-ats-nabs-al-qaeda-terrorists-lucknow-foils-bomb-attack-1826640-2021-07-11|access-date=2021-07-11|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Hizbul Mujahideen]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Jihadist groups in Jammu and Kashmir]]
[[Category:Kashmir separatist movement]]
[[Category:Organisations designated as terrorist by India]]
[[Category:Al-Qaeda]]

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Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind