Jaish-e-Mohammed Launches Online Jihadi Course to Recruit Women

Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed has launched a new online recruitment drive. The program targets women for its recently formed female wing. It is called Jamat ul-Muminat.

The online course, named ‘Tufat al-Muminat’, aims to indoctrinate participants. Daily 40-minute sessions are scheduled to begin on November 8. According to sources, the course fee is 500 Pakistani rupees per person.

Family Leadership and Financial Motives

The course will be led by close family members of JeM leadership. Masood Azhar’s sisters, Sadiya and Samaira Azhar, will conduct the online lessons. The wife of Pulwama attack conspirator Umar Farooq is also involved.

The 500 rupee fee exposes a continued fundraising effort. This occurs despite Pakistan’s claims of adhering to international financial norms. The move shows how terror groups adapt their methods to raise money.

Strategic Shift to Online Recruitment

Intelligence officials note this is a significant strategic shift. Pakistan’s conservative social norms often restrict women’s movement. Online platforms allow JeM to bypass these restrictions and reach a wider audience.

The goal is to build a women’s force modelled after groups like ISIS and Hamas. This could potentially include logistics, propaganda, or even fedayeen missions. The group aims to use female members to evade security scrutiny.

The launch of this online jihadi course marks a dangerous evolution in Jaish-e-Mohammed’s recruitment strategy. It directly targets a new demographic through digital means. This development poses a fresh challenge to regional and global security efforts.

Info at your fingertips

What is the name of the new JeM women’s wing?

The women’s wing is called Jamat ul-Muminat. It was officially announced by Masood Azhar on October 8. The formation took place at Markaz Usman-o-Ali in Bahawalpur.

Who is leading the online recruitment course?

The course is led by Masood Azhar’s sisters, Sadiya and Samaira Azhar. Sadiya Azhar’s husband was killed in India’s Operation Sindoor. Other instructors include wives of senior commanders.

Why is JeM now recruiting women?

JeM’s leadership realized female members could help evade security scrutiny. This shift follows recent counter-terror operations like Operation Sindoor. The strategy mirrors tactics used by ISIS and Hamas.

How much does the online course cost?

Each participant is asked to contribute 500 Pakistani rupees. This fee is framed as a donation. It highlights the group’s ongoing efforts to raise funds.

Where is JeM focusing its recruitment efforts?

The group is targeting wives of its commanders and economically vulnerable women. Recruitment efforts are centered on its centers in Bahawalpur, Karachi, and Muzaffarabad. Online methods expand their reach significantly.