Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind

2022-12-14T16:42:42Z

103.200.197.95:

{{grammar|date=August 2022}}
{{short description|Affiliated militant group}}
{{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>
| founding_leader =
| leader1_title = Ameer
| leader1_name = [[Zakir Rashid Bhat|Zakir Musa]]{{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.html|access-date=2021-04-09|website=News18}}</ref> (2019) Imtiyaz Shah{{KIA}}<ref name="news18.com">{{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> (2019-2020) Ghazi Khalid Ibrahim (2020–present)
| spokesperson = Talha Abdul Rahman<ref name="youtube.com">{{Cite web|title=Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind Releases Video For Indian Muslims title:BATTLEFIELDS ARE CALLING|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_H_yVpC8ZU&ab_channel=Ghuraba%5BTheStrangers%5D|access-date=6 January 2020}}</ref>
| headquarters =
| predecessor = Former field operational commander of [[Hizbul Mujahideen]].
| native_name = انصار غزوات الهند
| native_name_lang = Urdu
| war = [[Kashmir conflict]] and the [[Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir]]
| image = Flag_of_Ansar_Ghazwat-ul-Hind.svg
| image_size = 200px
| status = Active
| Motive =
| 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 = [[Islamic]] [[Jihad]]<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> [[Ghazwa-e-Hind]] [[Separatism]]
| clans =
| area = [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]]
| religion = [[Islam]]
| size =
| allegiance = [[Al-Qaeda]]<ref name="hindustantimes.com">{{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=Zakir musa allegedly announces allegiance to al-qaeda Abu Dujana helped set up al Qaeda in Kashmir: Zakir Musa in purported statement|newspaper=Hindustan Times|date=5 August 2017}}</ref><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 |website=www.globaldailytribune.com |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>
| merger_of =
| allies = *[[Taliban]]
*[[Hizbul Mujahideen]]
*[[Lashkar-e-Taiba]]
*[[Jaish-e-Mohammed]]
*[[Harkat-ul-Mujahideen]]
*[[Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami]]
*[[Al-Badr (India)|Al-Badr]]
| opponents = {{flag|India}}<ref>{{Cite web|title=Country Reports on Terrorism 2020: India|url=https://www.state.gov/reports/country-reports-on-terrorism-2020/india/|access-date=2022-05-18|website=US Department of State}}</ref>
| battles = [[Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir]]
| Media = AL Hurr Media
}}
'''Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind''' ({{lang-ur|{{nq|انصار غزوات الهند}}}}) is an [[Al-Qaeda]]-affiliated [[Islamist]] [[militant|militant group]] active in [[Kashmir]]. The group's stated objective is to impose [[Sharia law]] in [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]] and [[jihad]] against [[India]].<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>

==Background==
[[Zakir Rashid Bhat]] was an [[Islamist]] Kashmiri militant popularly known as Zakir Musa. He was a former field operational commander of [[Hizbul Mujahideen|Hizbul Mujahedeen]].<ref name="Times of India"/> In May 2017, Musa criticized the [[Hurriyat]] leaders for calling the Kashmir conflict a political objective rather than a religious one to establish Islamic rule. He warned them not to become a "thorn" in the imposition of [[Sharia]] in Kashmir, but after a few hours, [[Hizbul Mujahideen]] immediately disassociated itself from Zakir Musa's statement and Zakir Musa in response quit the organization<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news18.com/news/india/after-his-beheading-warning-to-hurriyat-leaders-zakir-musa-quits-hizbul-1400563.html|title=Zakir Musa Quits Hizbul Mujahideen Day After Threatening To Kill Hurriyat Leaders|publisher=News 18}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/local-miliant-group-claims-it-informed-police-about-hizb-commander-sabzar-bhats-/299183 |magazine=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]] |title=Local Militant Group Claims It Informed Police About Hizb Commander Sabzar Bhat's Whereabout |date=2 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | newspaper=[[India Today]] | quote=Radio and mobile chatter intercepted by India's intelligence agencies reflect a high level of distrust between former Hizbul commander Zakir Musa and the terror outfit he had led till recently. In the aftermath of the encounter killing of Burhan Wani's successor, Sabzar Bhatt, Indian agencies have recorded multiple conversations where the Hizbul Mujahideen cadre can be heard discussing whether Zakir Musa betrayed Sabzar Bhatt. Hizbul terrorists seem to suspect that a personal messenger close to Musa tipped off the Jammu and Kashmir police about the location of Sabzar's hideout. Sabzar was killed in an encounter close to his hometown of Tral.|title=Was Sabzar Bhatt betrayed by boss Zakir Musa? Intel inputs suggest rift among Kashmiri terrorists | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/sabzar-bhatt-zakir-musa-hizbul-burhan-wani-kashmir-militants-979938-2017-05-30| date=30 May 2017|access-date=5 July 2019|author=Rahul Kanwal}}</ref> after releasing statements to support his argument that the struggle in [[Kashmir]] was not for political purposes. Following Musa's split, Pro-Zakir Musa Kashmiri militants formed a militant faction named Zakir Musa Army 313 to openly support Musa and his "Islamic Rule" ideology.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thewire.in/135725/kashmir-hizbul-mujahideen-hurriyat-zakir-musa/|title=With Call For 'Islamic Rule', Zakir Musa May Have Signalled Ideological Split in Kashmir Terrorism|author=Zee Media Bureau|publisher=[[The Wire (Indian web publication)]]|date=15 May 2017}}</ref> In July 2017 the faction joined [[Al-Qaeda]] as Musa was impressed by Al-Qaeda's religious objective of imposing [[Sharia law]] in [[Kashmir]] and he formed a new [[Clandestine cell system|cell]] of [[Al-Qaeda]] named 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 |website=www.globaldailytribune.com |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> In the same month, the [[Global Islamic Media Front]]-affiliated Al Hurr media channel of Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind 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 Abu Dujana and Arif Lelhari left [[Lashkar-e-Taiba]], had joined [[Al-Qaeda]] and helped establish a new [[Clandestine cell system|cell]] of [[Al-Qaeda]] in [[Kashmir]]. Officials stated that the voice in the video 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 [[Bay'ah|allegiance]] to [[Al-Qaeda]]; however, no gunfire is heard and the authenticity of the clip was not proven.<ref name="hindustantimes.com">{{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=Zakir musa allegedly announces allegiance to al-qaeda Abu Dujana helped set up al Qaeda in Kashmir: Zakir Musa in purported statement|newspaper=Hindustan Times|date=5 August 2017}}</ref> Zakir Musa was one of the most wanted militants in [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] after [[Burhan Wani]] with a bounty of 1 million Indian rupees on his head announced by the [[Government of India]].<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 November 2017 the Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind formed an alliance with [[Hizbul Mujahideen]]. After the meeting of [[Riyaz Naikoo]] with Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, Zakir Musa released an audio tape after a few days of meetings, where he called all Kashmiri Mujahideen groups to unite for [[Jihad]] against enemies of Islam, with the goal to achieve freedom from [[India]] and enforce a [[Sharia law]]-based Islamic revolution in the region. He also warned 'Don't forget Kashmir if Pakistan withdraws its support to Kashmir, the insurgency would be also fought inside Pakistan'. Afterwards, [[Syed Salahuddin]], the chief of [[Hizbul Mujahideen]], released a statement threatening the [[Pakistan Army]]: 'We are fighting for Kashmiri Muslims in Kashmir and if Pakistan army withdraws its support, the war would be fought inside Pakistan too'.<ref name=toi_pak_war>{{cite news|last=PTI|title=Kashmir al-qaeda chief warns Pakistan against withdrawing support on Kashmir after the alliance with Hizbul|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Hizb-chief-Syed-Salahuddin-warns-Pakistan-against-withdrawing-support-on-Kashmir/articleshow/13932562.cms|access-date=8 June 2012|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=8 November 2017}}</ref><ref name=arab_news_pak>{{cite news|title=Normalization of Indo-Pak ties hurts Kashmir cause: Syed Salahuddin & Zakir musa|url=http://www.arabnews.com/node/413443|access-date=8 June 2012|newspaper=[[Arab News]]|date=8 November 2017}}</ref>

==Objective==
In 2017 [[Al-Qaeda]]-affiliated [[Global Islamic Media Front]] released a video announcing Al Hurr as the channel of Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind. It also claimed that the group's objective was to impose Sharia law upon [[Kashmir]], also declaring [[Jihad]] against [[India]] in the process.<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 |website=www.globaldailytribune.com |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>

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

==Slogans==
Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind claims to have two slogans: the first being "Kashmir Banega Darul Islam" (Kashmir will become [[Islamic state]]) and the second being "Sharyiat ya shahadat" ([[Sharia]] or [[martyr]]dom).

==Allegiance to Al-Qaeda==
In July 2017, the [[Global Islamic Media Front]] Affiliated Al Hurr media Channel of Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind claimed that [[Zakir Musa]] had been named the head of Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind under the [[Bay'ah|allegiance]] to [[Al-Qaeda]].<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 |website=www.globaldailytribune.com |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=Zakir musa Joined al-Qaeda' |last=Pandit |first=M. Saleem |date=18 September 2017 |newspaper=[[Times of India]] |publisher=[[Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.]] |access-date=18 December 2019}}</ref>

==Activities, affiliation, and foreign fighters==
===Activities 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 |website=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 |website=ent.siteintelgroup.com |date=24 April 2016 |access-date=18 December 2019}}</ref>

On 21 November 2019, the group released an audio tape 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>

On 6 January 2020, the group released a video audio tape message to [[Muslims]] of [[Kashmir]] and [[India]] by Talha Abdul Rahman the Spokesperson of group condemning the [[2020 Delhi riots]] by [[Hindu nationalism|Hindu nationalists]] against the [[Islam in India|Indian Muslims]] in [[Dehli]]. The group urged Muslims to United against [[Hindutva]] ideology and he called [[Muslims]] to join the [[Jihad]] against the enemies of [[Islam]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind Releases Promo of upcoming Video For Indian Muslims|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7WtrgCxI7c&ab_channel=Ghuraba%5BTheStrangers%5D|access-date=5 January 2020}}</ref><ref name="youtube.com">{{Cite web|title=Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind Releases Video For Indian Muslims title:BATTLEFIELDS ARE CALLING|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_H_yVpC8ZU&ab_channel=Ghuraba%5BTheStrangers%5D|access-date=6 January 2020}}</ref>

On 18 January 2022, the group claimed responsibility for the attempted bomb attack in [[Ghazipur, Delhi|Ghazipur]], [[Dehli]] the group also claimed that the our targets are pro-[[Hindutva]] [[Hindu nationalism|Hindu nationalists]] in revenge for the [[2020 Delhi riots]] against the [[Islam in India|Indian Muslims]] in [[Dehli]] by [[Hindu nationalism|Hindu nationalists]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Al-Qaeda outfit Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind's claim of Delhi bomb scare bogus: Delhi police|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/al-qaeda-affiliate-s-claim-of-ghazipur-mandi-bomb-scare-bogus-delhi-police-101642473885087.html|access-date=18 January 2022}}</ref>

On 11 December 2022, the group claimed responsibility of russian-made [[Rocket-propelled grenade|RPG]] attack in [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] on Tarn Taran Police station. The group said that they had fired a rocket from the Amritsar-Bathinda Highway. Earlier on Saturday, [[Sikhs for Justice]] (SFJ), a Khalistani [[Insurgency in Punjab|Insurgent]] militant organisation, claimed responsibility for the attack. The indian authorities has named this attack as Pakistani agenda for preparation of more attacks on [[Punjab, India]] Neighbouring nation wants to [[Bleed India with a Thousand Cuts|bleed India with thousand cuts]], says Punjab DGP.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Al Qaeda's offshoot Ghazwat-ul-Hind claims responsibility of RPG attack in Punjab's Tarn Taran|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/al-qaedas-offshoot-ghazwat-ul-hind-claims-responsibility-of-rpg-attack-in-punjabs-tarn-taran-article-96150640|access-date=11 December 2022}}</ref>

===Foreign fighters===
The Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind also have large number of foreign fighters In [[Kashmir]] from [[Pakistan]] & [[Afghanistan]] were called to join the holy war against the [[India]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/al-qaeda-video-attack-indian-cities-kashmir-terrorism-1116913-2017-12-27|title=In new video, Al-Qaeda says attacking Indian cities must to weaken security forces' grip on Kashmir|first1=Ankit |last1=Kumar |date=December 27, 2017|website=India Today|access-date=2019-01-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116095910/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/al-qaeda-video-attack-indian-cities-kashmir-terrorism-1116913-2017-12-27|archive-date=2019-01-16|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/international/article/al-qaeda-terror-group-india-myanmar-fresh-attack-hit-list/135990|title=Alarming: Al-Qaeda puts India on hit list, calls for fresh attacks|website=www.timesnownews.com|access-date=2019-01-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116050152/https://www.timesnownews.com/international/article/al-qaeda-terror-group-india-myanmar-fresh-attack-hit-list/135990|archive-date=2019-01-16|url-status=live}}</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 42 [[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><ref>{{cite web|url=https://kashmirlife.net/arampora-encounter-the-complete-story-195940/|title=Arampora Encounter: The Complete Story|work=Kashmir Life|access-date=2022-07-20}}</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><ref>{{cite web|url=https://css.ethz.ch/en/services/digital-library/publications/publication.html/2185f088-e6c1-4c88-b756-925f04bcf2b3|title=Zakir Musa: Death of Kashmir’s Loneliest Militant|work=ETH Zurich|access-date=2022-07-20}}</ref> At Zakir Musa's funeral, thousands of people attended Zakir Musa's funeral, and there were protests by supporters or people who mourned the death of the militant.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-48392851|title=Zakir Musa: Thousands mourn India's 'most wanted' militant|work=BBC News|access-date=2022-07-20}}</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><ref>{{cite web|url=https://scroll.in/latest/941464/al-qaeda-affiliate-wiped-out-from-kashmir-groups-chief-hamid-lehari-killed-says-police-chief|title=Al-Qaeda affiliate ‘wiped out from Kashmir’, group’s chief Hamid Lehari killed, says police chief|work=Scroll.in|access-date=2022-07-20}}</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 29 April 2020, Group's deputy chief Burhan Koka was killed in an encounter in Shopian's Melhora area 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>

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 name="news18.com">{{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 militant module. The team has arrested two militant linked with al-Qaeda's Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind.”<ref>{{Cite web|date=July 11, 2015|first=Arvind|last=Ojha|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>

On 14 June 2022, [[Jammu and Kashmir Police]] said Abdullah Abbas Ghazi Bhat, also known as Abdullah Ghazi, was a main militant of [[Islamist]] [[militant|militant group]] Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, an [[al-Qaeda]] linked group. Police said he was reportedly had been killed with two Hizbul militants by Indian security forces during a search operation on 11 June.He had been [[Hizbul Mujahideen|fighting alongside Hizbul Mujahideen]] militants in [[Kulgam]] he was killed in a gunfight in the town of [[Kulgam]] the two Indian security forces also killed and five injured during the clash. The fighting was so intense that it partially security forces destroyed his home. On 14 June a few days after his death, four Indian army soldiers were killed and the main leading member of search operation Ashkan Kumar{{citation needed|date=June 2022}} a Jammu and Kashmir Police senior officer also murdered outside his home in what was believed to have been a reprisal for Abdullah's death.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/hizbul-mujahideen-terrorist-killed-in-encounter-in-jammu-kashmirs-kulgam-3057475|title="The Killing of indian army soldiers linked with Abdullah's death Al-Qaeda linked militant who killed during a search operation against insurgents" Jammu and Kashmir Police claimed|date=14 June 2022}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Hizbul Mujahideen]]
* [[Ghazwa-e-Hind]]
* [[Lashkar-e-Taiba]]
* [[Jaish-e-Mohammed]]
* [[Taliban]]
* [[Osama bin Laden]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

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

IndianPedia - User contributions [en]

Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind