On 22 April 2025, a brutal terrorist attack unfolded in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Five armed militants ambushed a group of tourists, opening fire after reportedly asking them their names and religions. Twenty-six people were killed and more than 20 injured. Among the dead were 25 tourists, primarily Hindus, and one Christian. Notably, Muslims in the group were spared by the attackers.
This report compiles seven such incidents between 2008 and 2025, where Islamist terrorists deliberately targeted people of other faiths while sparing Muslims, underscoring a disturbing pattern of religiously motivated violence.
#1 Pahalgam Terror Attack
On 22 April 2025, a deadly terrorist attack shook the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, claiming the lives of 26 tourists and injuring several others. Carried out by militants from The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the attackers reportedly asked the victims their names and religions, stripped the male members to check their private parts, before opening fire. Among the dead were 24 Hindus and one Christian, highlighting the religious targeting behind the massacre.
Joshi, Narwal, Adhikari, Ranjan, Guhar
All Hindus and All Males
They didn't kill Females so that they live to tell Modi pic.twitter.com/HaVroB9blB
— The Jaipur Dialogues (@JaipurDialogues) April 23, 2025
#2 Dhaka Attackers Spared Quran Reciters, Killed Others
On 1 July 2016, Islamic State terrorists attacked Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka, Bangladesh, taking diners hostage. The militants spared those who could recite verses from the Quran, offering them food, while others—mostly foreigners—were tortured and brutally killed. Witnesses said the terrorists identified Muslims and spared them, singling out non-Muslims for execution. At least 20 hostages and two policemen were killed. Bangladeshi nationals were treated more leniently. Rescued hostages revealed chilling details of the night-long ordeal, including text exchanges with loved ones. The siege ended after a military operation stormed the café the following morning.
#3 Quran-Reciters Spared In Deadly Mali Hotel Siege
On 20 November 2015, Islamist militants linked to Al-Mourabitoun stormed the Radisson Blu Hotel in Bamako, Mali, taking 170 hostages and killing 27 people. Witnesses said hostages who could recite Quran verses were released, indicating Muslims were spared. The attackers, shouting “Allahu Akbar,” opened fire and took over the hotel. Al-Mourabitoun, aligned with al-Qaeda, claimed responsibility, demanding prisoner releases and an end to military operations in northern Mali. Malian, French, and U.S. forces launched a rescue, freeing survivors including foreigners. Despite a 2015 peace deal, Mali remains vulnerable to extremist violence in areas outside government control.
#4 Garissa University Attack: Christians Targeted In Deadly Assault
On 2 April 2015, Al-Shabab militants stormed Garissa University College in Kenya, killing 148 people—mostly Christian students—and injuring over 79. The attackers separated Muslims from non-Muslims, sparing the former. This brutal act was part of a wider pattern of Al-Shabab violence in Kenya, including previous killings in Mandera and quarry attacks targeting Christians. Despite police presence, the group executed the Garissa assault with chilling precision. The attack shocked the nation, prompting heightened security and national mourning. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud condemned the targeting of Christians, stating it contradicts Islamic teachings and aims to divide communities.
#5 Westgate Mall Attack: 68 Killed In Nairobi Siege
On 21 September 2013, al-Shabaab militants attacked Nairobi’s Westgate Mall, killing 68 and injuring over 175. Armed with guns and grenades, the attackers targeted shoppers, reportedly allowing Muslims to leave beforehand. The siege lasted four days, with Kenyan forces eventually regaining control. Several attackers were foreign nationals, and suspicions arose over the involvement of American citizens. Among the dead were citizens from the UK, France, Canada, and Ghana. President Uhuru Kenyatta vowed justice. The attack was seen as retaliation for Kenya’s military involvement in Somalia. It remains one of Kenya’s deadliest terrorist attacks.
#6 Turkish Couple Spared In 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attack For Being Muslim
During the 2008 Mumbai attacks, Turkish couple Meltem Muezzinoglu and her husband Seyfi were taken hostage at the Oberoi Hotel. They were held overnight with three foreign women while gunmen from Lashkar-e-Taiba stood guard. The terrorists asked all hostages to state their religion. When the Muezzinoglus identified as Muslims, they were told they would not be harmed. The next day, the three non-Muslim women were removed and later reported shot. The couple was eventually rescued by Indian forces. Their friend Ali Arpaciouglu, who escaped earlier, stayed in contact with them throughout the ordeal via texts and one call.
#7 Thai Muslims’ Direct Talks With Hamas Helped Secure Hostage Release
On 27 November 2023, Thai Muslim groups claimed credit for securing the early release of Thai hostages held by Hamas during the Gaza conflict. The Thai-Iran Alumni Association, led by Lerpong Syed, engaged in direct talks with Hamas in Tehran, urging the release of Thai nationals. They emphasized that Thais were not involved in the conflict, leading Hamas to promise unconditional release during a truce. While the Thai government acknowledged multiple diplomatic efforts, including those by Qatar and Iran, the Muslim group said its initiative was crucial in freeing 17 Thai hostages by the third day of the ceasefire.
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