Pakistan’s decision to set free the alleged mastermind of the 2008 attacks in Mumbai drew quick criticism from the United States, where President Trump has demanded that Pakistani leaders take tougher action against terrorists.

Hafiz Saeed, who allegedly planned attacks in Mumbai in 2008 that left 164 people dead, had been detained at his house in Lahore without charges since January. A Pakistan High Court ordered his release.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement that Saeed leads Lashkar-e-Taiba, “a designated foreign terrorist organization responsible for the death of hundreds of innocent civilians in terrorist attacks, including a number of American citizens.”

Saeed has denied any involvement in the Mumbai attacks.


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