Pakistan has arrested a radical cleric who is accused of being involved in the deadly 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India.
Hafiz Saeed, 69, was arrested Wednesday by Pakistani authorities. Saeed founded the terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba, which has been blamed for the brutal November 2008 gun and bomb attacks that killed 166 people and left more than 300 injured.
In 2012, the U.S. lodged a $10 million bounty for Saeed’s arrest, although he has continued to make appearances, including addresses at anti-India rallies in Pakistan, since that time.
Wednesday’s arrest comes as the U.S. has ratcheted up pressure against Pakistan to crack down on terrorist groups. It also comes just days before Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan will meet with President Trump at the White House.
Trump tweeted out approval for Saeed’s capture after the news broke.
“After a ten year search, the so-called ‘mastermind’ of the Mumbai Terror attacks has been arrested in Pakistan. Great pressure has been exerted over the last two years to find him!” Trump said.
After a ten year search, the so-called “mastermind” of the Mumbai Terror attacks has been arrested in Pakistan. Great pressure has been exerted over the last two years to find him!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 17, 2019
Saeed’s spokesman condemned the arrest, asserting that the cleric has cut ties with Lashker-e-Taiba in 2001 and hasn’t been linked to the terrorist group since that time. Saeed has been detained a number of times before but has never been charged or put on trial. He will be held in jail until his next court appearance, which is scheduled for Tuesday.
