Islamabad: Pakistani security agencies probing the assassination bids on Pervez Musharraf suspect the involvement of a new outfit formed by several banned militant groups, including Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), to target the President and moderates opposed to the activities of 'jihadi' groups in the country.

Investigators suspect the hand of 'Brigade 313,' which comprises JeM, LeT, Harkatul Jihad al-Islami, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, and Harkatul Mujahideen al Aalmi, in the case.

The outfit was formed after the US attacked Afghanistan after 9/11 strikes in Washington and New York.

"The leadership of this alliance has pledged to target key Pakistani leaders who, in its opinion are damaging the cause of 'jihad' in order to further the American agenda in Pakistan," Pakistani magazine 'Herald' reported.

The organisation came to the notice of officials after chief of Pakistan's Sunni section, Lashkar Jhangvi, Ikram Lahori, arrested for attacks on minority Shias, told the police that about 100 members of Harkatul Jihad al-Islami pledged to physically eliminate Musharraf "at any cost".

Lahori's revelations led to the arrest of three Harkat activists, Mohammad Imran, Mohammad Hanif and Sheikh Mohammad Ahmad for their involvement in the attempt on Musharraf's life at Karachi in April last year, it said.

The suspicion of 'Brigade 313's' involvement got strengthened after the two suicide bombers, who were killed while making a bid on the life of Musharraf on December 25, were identified, the magazine said.