LeT eyeing sea routes again

Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), the Pakistan-based terrorist group behind the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, is updating its tactics to include water-based infiltration, martial arts, and artificial intelligence. Intelligence inputs and recent videos confirm that organised training is underway at Mangla Dam, the site previously used to prepare the 26/11 attackers.

These developments indicate that LeT may attempt operations similar to those carried out in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, demonstrating LeT’s ability to conduct coordinated sea-based operations, intelligence sources said.

Ajmal Kasab, the sole surviving attacker of the 26/11 terror attack, had confirmed that their training took place at Mangla Dam in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Current reports suggest that water-based training has resumed or expanded at Mangla Dam and other sites, indicating that LeT continues to rely on these methods and complicates the task for Indian security agencies.

LeT’s ‘Water Force’ is trained in scuba diving, speedboat operations, and underwater tactics. Video evidence indicates that approximately 135 individuals have received instruction in boat handling. The training covers advanced swimming, high-speed boat manoeuvres, underwater movement, sub-surface tactics, and water-rescue drills. Training happens at the Neelam River near Muzaffarabad, Mangla and Tarbela Dams, Muridke (which is disguised as fish farms), and coastal areas near Karachi. Groups like Al Ihya Water Rescue help hide these activities by offering training in combat diving and river operations.

Since 26/11, improved coastal security in Mumbai has pushed LeT to use more discreet methods, such as swimmer-assisted infiltration, river routes in Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab, and possible sabotage of barrages, bridges, or dams. These tactics exploit gaps in surveillance along India’s long coastline and river systems.

Videos show senior LeT commander Rana Mohammad Ashfaq training in a swimming pool, highlighting the group’s focus on water-based infiltration, escape, and special operations in tough conditions. Ashfaq’s recent statements show the group is changing its tactics to keep up with new technology used by its opponents. Besides aquatic training, operatives learn hand-to-hand combat, including judo, karate, taekwondo, and wrestling, as well as endurance and first aid.

Pakistan’s Inter- Services Intelligence (ISI) is training LeT operatives so they can move between water and land, avoid capture, fight in close quarters, and keep operating after attacks. Through LeT-linked groups such as the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML) in several cities. This training is driving a shift toward a more skilled and resilient group rather than one that relies on easily replaced members.

LeT now uses artificial intelligence (AI) in its training, and reports say many participants are women. AI is expected to help the group spread propaganda and recruit on social media by making more content, targeting people more accurately, and creating deepfakes.

AI tools will likely help with maritime and river operations, such as route planning, weather analysis, and navigation. They may also be used for cyber reconnaissance and disruption.

Intelligence reports suggest AI could help with maritime infiltration, cyberattacks, and increased online radicalisation. Using these technologies signals a shift toward hybrid warfare, in which small groups leverage advanced tools for greater impact.

These changes show LeT is building skills to challenge India’s security. By combining secret water entry, advanced combat training, and digital tools, the group aims to bypass border and coastal security and be harder to track. LeT wants to make its operations harder to trace, expand its recruitment and support networks, including bringing women into technical roles, and adjust to setbacks like drone strikes or failed infiltrations.

LeT still uses training sites like Mangla Dam and reportedly works with Pakistani state forces, including amphibious units from the Special Services Group. This supports the long-standing proxy relationship between LeT and the Pakistan Army.

“LeT has changed its tactics since 26/11 to keep up with India’s new security measures. The resumption of training at Mangla Dam shows that the group’s goals have not changed. India should remain alert and continually update its countermeasures”, intelligence sources added.