26/11 Masterminds and Handlers

A snapshot of the various conspirators and planers behind the 26/11 terrorist attack.


HAFIZ SAEED: The LeT chief and the alleged mastermind of the 26/11 attacks who supervised the training of 10 terrorists, including Ajmal Kasab. Remains at large despite an Interpol notice from India and a US bounty of $10 million.





ZAKI-UR-REHMAN LAKHVI: Operational commander of LeT who coordinated the 26/11 attacks and was present in the control room in Karachi to guide the attackers. In Pakistan jail.



SAJID MIR: LeT’s key commander who was the main handler of the 26/11 terrorists and was present in the control room and the man who chose targets in Mumbai. He remains at large.

ABDUR REHMAN HASHIM SYED: Another LeT mastermind of 26/11 attacks who was also plotting future attacks in India. He remains at large

ISI’S MAJOR IQBAL: ISI officer who was present in the control room and played a crucial part in training of the attackers. Was handler of David Coleman Headley. Pakistan denies there is any person by the name of Major Iqbal


ABU JUNDAL: The only Indian in the control room who trained the attackers to speak Hindi and guided them on Mumbai. Deported from Saudi Arabia and in custody


DAVID COLEMAN HEADLEY: Pak-born US national who did reconnaissance of the 26/11 targets – Taj Hotel, Oberoi Hotel, Leopold café and Nariman House – for the LeT and ISI. Was arrested in US after the attacks and remains in a US prison awaiting a sentence.



ISI’S MAJOR SAMEER ALI: ISI officer involved in training of the 26/11 attackers. Pakistan denies there is any person by this name.

ABU HAMZA: Main trainer of 26/11 attackers who had earlier conducted the attack on IISC Bangalore. Was present in the control room; remains at large.

ZARAR SHAH: Communications chief of LeT and a senior Lashkar commander. It is unclear whether he is in custody in Pakistan or at large.

TAHAWWUR HUSSAIN RANA: A Pakistani national based in Canada who helped David Coleman Headley set up base in Mumbai and provided him funds. Was arrested in US.