Jaish-e-Mohammed Rebrands as Al-Murabitun Amid Sanctions

In a strategic move to circumvent international sanctions, the banned terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed has rebranded itself as Al-Murabitun, meaning 'Defenders of Islam' in Arabic, within Pakistan. This name change is reportedly set to be unveiled during a memorial next week for Yusuf Azhar, the brother of founder Masood Azhar.

The group, responsible for high-profile attacks such as the 2001 Indian Parliament assault, the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, and the Uri and Pulwama attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, aims to dissociate from its original name to access funding more freely. Sanctions have significantly hindered their financial operations, compelling them to adopt this new identity.

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According to a July report by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Jaish-e-Mohammed has turned to digital payment methods, including e-wallets and UPI transfers, to channel funds. The FATF has traced five such e-wallets directly linked to the group and members of Masood Azhar's family. The objective is to raise nearly four billion Pakistani rupees to establish over 300 'markaz'—training hubs across Pakistan.

This shift to digital financing allows Pakistan to claim compliance with FATF regulations by asserting that formal funding channels have been cut off, while the group continues to receive financial support through informal digital means.

Following the destruction of its Bahawalpur base during India's Operation Sindoor in May, Jaish-e-Mohammed has reportedly relocated deeper into Pakistan, setting up new bases in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which borders Afghanistan. A recent recruitment drive was conducted in Garhi Habibullah, a town in Mansehra district, on September 14. The event was led by Jaish commander Masood Ilyas Kashmiri and was reportedly protected by the Pakistan Army and police.

This rebranding and financial restructuring underscore the group's adaptability and the ongoing challenges in combating cross-border terrorism.