Abdul Rehman Makki, a key figure in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, died on Friday, December 27, in Pakistan. The cause of death was a heart attack, according to sources. Makki, who had been battling severe diabetes for some time, was receiving treatment at a private hospital in Lahore when the incident occurred. He was the deputy chief of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a militant group, and played a central role in financing the deadly attacks that took the lives of 166 people.
Abdul Rehman Makki’s Role in the Mumbai Terror Attacks
Abdul Rehman Makki’s involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks goes beyond mere logistical support. As a close associate of Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind of the attack, Makki helped facilitate the funding that sustained the terrorist operations. The attacks, which unfolded across multiple locations in Mumbai, were carried out by a group of 10 gunmen who targeted high-profile landmarks. While nine terrorists were killed in subsequent counter-terror operations, one, Ajmal Kasab, was captured alive. Kasab’s capture provided vital evidence linking the attacks to Pakistan-based terror groups.
Makki’s Later Life and Legal Troubles
Makki’s life after the attacks was marked by legal troubles. In 2020, an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan sentenced him to six months in prison for his role in terror financing. However, he continued to operate under the guise of humanitarian work with Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), an organization he was affiliated with, despite being a designated terrorist. In January 2023, the United Nations Security Council officially labeled him a global terrorist, subjecting him to sanctions, including asset freezes, travel bans, and an arms embargo. This designation highlighted his ongoing support for militant activities.
Makki’s death marks the end of a significant chapter in the history of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, though his legacy of terror financing continues to haunt international relations.