Jihadist Brigades Within Pakistan Army Pose Growing Threat To Global Security: Sources

Last Updated:June 10, 2025, 15:52 IST

Brigade 313, validated by Lashkar and Jaish in Pakistan, operates as Al-Qaeda's military arm in the region, reflecting deep ties to Pakistani jihadist networks.

Pakistani Army General Asim Munir (AP Photo)

Pakistan’s army has multiple brigades apart from the notorious Brigade 313, dedicated to global jihad and internal operations, top Intelligence sources have told CNN-News18. These brigades, equipped with conventional warfare capabilities and asymmetric tactics, pose significant threats to regional stability and global security.

Established in 1956 with assistance from the US Army Special Forces, the Special Services Group (SSG), initially named the 19th Baluch Regiment, is a key component of these brigades. Sources confirm that the SSG operates under a hybrid warfare doctrine, combining conventional special operations with sabotage. The SSG excels in proxy warfare through militant affiliates and political control mechanisms, such as coups. It undertakes foreign internal defence, regional surveys, direct action, counter-terrorism, and unconventional warfare, intelligence sources reveal.

Another crucial unit is the 111th Infantry Brigade, renowned for its expertise in orchestrating coups, as per top intelligence sources. This brigade played pivotal roles in toppling governments in 1958 for Ayub Khan, in 1977 for Zia ul-Haq, and in 1999 for Pervez Musharraf. Besides safeguarding the Prime Minister, President, and Army GHQ, they possess significant leverage over civilian administration, often employing blackmail, sources assert.

Brigade 313, validated by Lashkar and Jaish in Pakistan, operates as Al-Qaeda’s military arm in the region, reflecting deep ties to Pakistani jihadist networks and international terrorist groups, according to intelligence sources. Formed in 2008, Brigade 313 consolidated multiple Pakistani militant groups under Al-Qaeda’s command due to their advanced warfare techniques and Maulana Masood Azhar’s connections to groups based in Nangarhar.

Top intelligence sources highlight that Brigade 313 employs unconventional methods like terrorism, infiltration, and cyber-attacks rather than traditional military engagements. Although closely associated with ISI, they operate independently of the regular army. Motivated by extremist Islamist ideology, they utilise religious symbolism to recruit and justify violence, spreading propaganda such as Gazwa-E-Hind via social media, sources confirm.

Brigade 313 targets Kashmiri youth through encrypted apps and religious propaganda to build sleeper cells and incite lone wolf attacks, according to intelligence. They produce high-quality, well-edited videos consumed by Kashmiris, having access to advanced audiovisual media facilities.

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