Brigade 313 has made headlines once again, following a contentious interview on June 9, 2025, aired on UK-based Sky News. Hosted by journalist Yalda Hakim, the segment featured Pakistani Senator Sherry Rehman, leading to renewed scrutiny on Pakistan’s alleged involvement in proxy warfare, particularly highlighting Brigade 313’s connections to al-Qaeda.
Brigade 313 is a clandestine militant coalition believed to act as an operational unit for al-Qaeda in South Asia. The name “313” alludes to the number of warriors from the Battle of Badr, a reference often utilized to rationalize jihadist ideologies. Rather than being a standalone entity, Brigade 313 is a hybrid force comprised of elite members from various groups, including:
– Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)
– Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)
– Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami (HuJI)
– Lashkar-e-Jhangvi
– Taliban-affiliated factions
Originally commanded by Ilyas Kashmiri, a former Pakistani commando who turned al-Qaeda leader, Brigade 313 is known to function under al-Qaeda’s elite “Lashkar al-Zil,” or Shadow Army, recognized for its precision in executing significant terrorist operations.
During the Sky News interview, Rehman faced pointed questions about Brigade 313’s alleged activities in Jammu and Kashmir. She dismissed the group as a relic of “Pakistan’s past,” asserting that the country is now resolutely against terrorism. Rehman characterized the accusations against Pakistan as “Indian propaganda” and denied any state sponsorship of militant groups, notably sidestepping the ongoing connections between Pakistani intelligence and terrorism.
Brigade 313 is integral to Pakistan’s covert proxy warfare strategies. It participates in:
– Cross-border terrorist attacks in Kashmir
– Operations aimed at destabilizing Afghanistan
– Covert activities in Balochistan
The group is known for conducting “white-label” attacks—incidents that are not officially claimed but are widely attributed to them—allowing both the Pakistani state and al-Qaeda to maintain plausible deniability while pursuing strategic objectives.
Significantly, multiple intelligence sources have highlighted connections between Brigade 313 and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Pakistan’s primary intelligence agency. The organization serves as an unofficial coalition of terror, incorporating elements from:
– Pakistan’s military and intelligence sectors
– Radical Islamist groups throughout South and Central Asia
– Al-Qaeda’s operational network
This blend of former military personnel, trained jihadists, and ISI influence creates a notably formidable and deniable force.
India has consistently identified Brigade 313 as a serious security threat. Agencies such as the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) link the group to:
– Cross-border infiltration initiatives
– Terror training camps in Pakistan-administered Kashmir
– Hybrid warfare and cyber sabotage efforts
India has raised its concerns internationally, urging action against Pakistan for fostering such networks through forums like the United Nations and FATF. In response, India has taken proactive measures, including:
– Surgical strikes on identified terror launching pads
– Enhanced surveillance along its borders
– Expanding its counter-terrorism doctrine
However, the repercussions extend beyond India. Brigade 313 has increasingly become a double-edged sword for Pakistan, contributing to:
– The rise of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)
– Heightened sectarian conflict between Sunni and Shia factions
– The emergence of uncontrollable rogue elements within Pakistan
Experts suggest that Pakistan may have lost its grip on these entities, which can now act autonomously or counter to state interests.
International organizations, including the FATF and UN Sanctions Committees, have long identified Brigade 313 as part of Pakistan’s terror infrastructure. The renewed interest following the Sky News interview could escalate global scrutiny concerning:
– Pakistan’s adherence to anti-terror financing regulations
– U.S.-Pakistan military relationships
– The overall security frameworks within South Asia
The situation surrounding Brigade 313 underscores a persistent challenge regarding state-sponsored terrorism, shrouded in deniability. The resurgence of this dialogue, fueled by Rehman’s evasive responses, raises critical questions about:
– Pakistan’s ongoing use of jihadist proxies
– The implications of international inaction
– The prospects for peace in South Asia without dismantling such networks
As Pakistan positions itself as a reformed nation, its lack of transparency regarding groups like Brigade 313 poses significant concerns for its neighbors and global counter-terrorism efforts. The urgency for accountability, cooperation, and transparency has never been more pressing.
