Hashim Musa, terrorist behind Pahalgam attack, trained as para commando in Pakistan Army: Sources

Hashim Musa is believed to have associations with the Pakistan Army

Hashim Musa, a Pakistani terrorist believed to be among the three attackers who carried out the targeted killings in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22, was earlier a para commander of the Pakistani Army's special forces, sources told CNN-News18.

Sources in security forces suspect that Musa was trained as a para commando in Pakistan. This suspicion came through after the terrorists managed to dodge the police forces, indicating a high level of expertise and training.

What strengthens the belief for Musa's training is the fact that M4 rifles were used in Pahalgam terror attack, another indicator of high level of weapons training.

The Times of India reported that Musa is now a hardcore terrorist and works with Lashkar-e-Taiba. Reports said that he was sent by the terrorist outfit to J&K to carry out the attack on the security forces and civilians.

"It is possible that he was loaned by Pakistan special forces, like Special Service Group (SSG), to LeT," an officer of the security establishment was quoted by the Times of India as saying.

A senior officer said that an intel on Musa's background is indicative of evidence of ISIS's role in the Pahalgam terror attack. Notably, Musa's involvement has also been proven in earlier attacks in Kashmir, including attacks in Gagangir and Ganderbal. Musa has reportedly become the common link in all three attacks.

TOI further reports that the Para-commandos of the Pakistani special force, SSG, are highly trained in unconventional warfare and also hold specialisations in covert operations.

The training, which is intensive and rigorous, focuses on mental and physical fitness and also trains individuals in strategic thinking - all of which play a role when major terrorist attacks are carried out.

SSG commandos are also used to handling sophisticated weapons and are well trained in hand-to-hand combat. They are also known to have high navigation and survival skills.

On April 22, 26 people, including locals, tourists and foreign nationals, were killed after armed terrorists gunned them down after reportedly confirming their religious identities.