Lashkar-e-Taiba Rebuilds Headquarters Damaged in Indian Air Force Strike
Muridke, Pakistan – lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a Pakistani terror organization, has demolished its headquarters complex struck during India’s Operation Sindoor in May adn initiated reconstruction efforts, reportedly with funding from the Pakistani government, according to assessments by Indian security officials.
The Markaz Taiba complex in Muridke, spanning 1.09 acres, housed training facilities, weapons storage, and residences for commanders before the Indian Air Force strike on May 7. Demolition began on August 18, utilizing five excavators, and was completed by September 7, reducing the site to rubble with debris clearance now underway.
Indian security assessments indicate the reconstruction is being overseen by senior LeT leaders, including facility director Maulana Abu Zar and commander Yunus Shah Bukhari. The group aims to complete at least a partial rebuild before February 5, 2026, coinciding with their annual jihad convention focused on Kashmir.
Following the May operation, the Pakistani government publicly committed to financing the reconstruction of damaged militant facilities. Islamabad reportedly provided LeT with an initial 40 crore Pakistani rupees (approximately 12.5 crore INR) on August 14.
Sources indicate LeT is simultaneously engaging in both offline collection drives and online appeals,presenting themselves as relief workers to divert funds towards rebuilding the headquarters and other damaged camps. This strategy echoes past practices, including after the 2005 Pakistan earthquake, when the group allegedly raised billions of rupees under humanitarian pretenses but diverted approximately 80% of the funds to terror infrastructure.
In the immediate aftermath of the strike, let relocated operations, initially to Markaz Aqsa in Bahawalpur, and later to Markaz Yarmouk in Patoki, Kasur district, by July.