Masood azhar latest news
Masood Azhar is a Pakistani militant leader who is the founder and leader of the terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Here are some of the latest news updates about him:
Recent Developments:
- UN Sanctions: In May 2020, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) designated Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, imposing sanctions on him and his organization, Jaish-e-Mohammed.
- Pakistani Government's Response: The Pakistani government initially refused to take action against Azhar, citing a lack of evidence. However, in February 2020, Pakistan announced that it would place Azhar on its own terror list, but did not take any concrete action.
- Indian Government's Demands: The Indian government has repeatedly demanded that Pakistan take action against Azhar and dismantle JeM, which is responsible for several terrorist attacks in India, including the Pulwama attack in February 2019.
- Azhar's Health: There have been reports of Azhar's poor health, with some sources suggesting that he is suffering from kidney disease and is undergoing treatment in Pakistan.
Recent Statements and Interviews:
- Interview with Al Jazeera: In an interview with Al Jazeera in February 2020, Azhar denied any involvement in the Pulwama attack and claimed that JeM was a peaceful organization.
- Statement on Kashmir: In a statement released in August 2020, Azhar called for the liberation of Kashmir from Indian occupation and vowed to continue fighting against Indian forces in the region.
International Reactions:
- US State Department: The US State Department has designated Azhar as a global terrorist and has called on Pakistan to take action against him and his organization.
- European Union: The European Union has also designated Azhar as a terrorist and has called on Pakistan to take concrete action against him.
- China: China has been a key obstacle to Azhar's designation as a global terrorist, with some reports suggesting that it has blocked UN sanctions against him. However, in May 2020, China finally agreed to support the UNSC's decision to designate Azhar as a global terrorist.
Security Concerns:
- Terrorist Financing: Azhar's organization, JeM, is believed to have significant financial resources, which are used to fund terrorist activities in the region.
- Recruitment: JeM is known to recruit young men from Pakistan and other parts of South Asia, often using social media and other online platforms to spread its message.
- Cross-Border Attacks: JeM has been responsible for several cross-border attacks in India, including the Pulwama attack, which killed over 40 Indian security personnel.
Overall, Masood Azhar remains a significant security concern in the region, with his organization, JeM, continuing to pose a threat to regional stability and security.