26/11 Mastermind’s Aide Abdul Rehman Makki Dies Of Heart Attack In Pakistan

Abdul Rehman Makki Dies: Abdul Rehman Makki, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and a senior leader of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) organization, passed away on Friday in Lahore, Pakistan.

Makki reportedly suffered a fatal heart attack while undergoing treatment for diabetes at a private hospital, as confirmed by a Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) official.

Makki, the brother-in-law of Hafiz Saeed, the alleged mastermind of the Mumbai attacks, served as the deputy chief of JuD, as reported by Hindustan Times. The organization disclosed that Makki had been unwell for several days before succumbing to cardiac arrest early in the morning.

Background and Controversies

The 26/11 Mumbai attacks, executed on November 26, 2008, involved a group of LeT terrorists who infiltrated Mumbai via the sea from Pakistan. The horrific siege left over 100 people dead and shocked the world. Makki's name emerged prominently in investigations linking him to the attacks, as reported by Hindustan Times.

In 2020, Makki was sentenced to six months in prison by an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan for terror financing, a case that forced him into a lower profile thereafter. In 2023, the United Nations designated him a global terrorist, imposing an assets freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo.

Reaction and Significance

The Pakistan Mutahida Muslim League (PMML) described Makki as an advocate for Pakistan's ideology in its official statement. His death comes amid broader allegations by the Pakistan government, accusing India of involvement in targeted killings of terrorists within Pakistan-claims firmly denied by India's Ministry of External Affairs as baseless propaganda, as per media reports.

Hafiz Saeed's Health Rumors

Speculation also surrounds the health of Hafiz Saeed, with unconfirmed reports in April suggesting he had been hospitalized due to illness. Makki's demise marks a significant moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding the Mumbai attacks and the global fight against terrorism. It coincides with the recent 16th anniversary of the attacks, a grim reminder of the tragedy that shook Mumbai and the world.