Lashkar-e-Islam

Lashkar-e-Islam (Urdu: لشكرِ اسلام), ("LI" or "LeI") literally "Army of Islam" also transliterated as Lashkar-e-Islami, Lashkar-i-Islam) is an Jihadist organizationactive in and around Khyber Agency, Federally Administered Tribal Areas, Pakistan. LeI was founded in 2004 by Mufti Munir Shakir. Currently, the organization is headed by Mangal Bagh.

The Council on Foreign Relations lists LI as one of several FATA agencies composing the "Pakistani Taliban" [Jayshree Bajoria [http://www.cfr.org/publication/15422/ Pakistan’s New Generation of Terrorists] Council on Foreign Relations, February 6 2008] .

On April 17, 2008, Bagh claimed that LeI has over 180,000 volunteers in Khyber Agency [ [http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/detailed_news.asp?date1=4/18/2008 Lashkar-e-Islam claims membership of 180,000 volunteers in Khyber Agency] "South Asian Terrorism Portal" 18 April 2008]

On April 27, 2008, it was reported that a "Lashkar-e-Islam" has changed its name to "Jaish-e-Islami". It is unclear whether this is the same group, or another which happened to use the same name. The reports stated that this LeI is located in Bajaur Agency, and headed by Wali Rehman. [ [http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008%5C04%5C27%5Cstory_27-4-2008_pg7_14Taliban group chooses new name] Daily Times (Pakistan), 27 Apr 2008.]

Leadership progression

("The term "Lashkar-e-Islam" is very generic, but the following individuals have been cited in media as leaders of an organization by that name in Bara tehsil, Pakistan")
*2004: founded by Mufti Munir Shakir
*2006: reportedly lead by Haji Taj Mohammed, "member of the Afridi Shura." [Staff [http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2006