UNSC Links Red Fort Blast to AQIS Offshoot

• UNSC report links the 2025 Red Fort terror blast to an AQIS offshoot.
• The attack killed 15 people and was carried out by a suicide bomber.
• The report warns AQIS is expanding through small, decentralised terror cells.
• It also raises concerns over the group’s logistical networks and activities in Bangladesh.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 13th Aug: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) body monitoring counter-terrorism sanctions has officially linked the 2025 Red Fort terror blast in Delhi to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), describing the outfit as an evolving regional terrorist network operating through decentralised cells.

The findings were published in the UNSC’s latest report on global terrorism, which stated that AQIS has shifted from operating as a fragmented organisation to building a network of small, independent terror cells backed by logistical and financial support systems.

The November 2025 blast near Delhi’s Red Fort, which claimed 15 lives, was allegedly carried out by suicide bomber Umar Mohammad. According to investigators, he detonated the explosives after two key members of the terror module—Dr. Muzammil Shakeel and Dr. Adil Rather—were arrested and nearly 2,900 kilograms of explosives, including ammonium nitrate, were seized in Haryana’s Faridabad.

UNSC Flags Expanding AQIS Network
The UNSC report expressed concern over AQIS’ growing regional footprint and warned that the organisation could attempt to establish new terrorist cells in Bangladesh, citing the neighbouring country as a potential logistical base.

The report also highlighted continuing concerns about Al-Qaeda and Islamic State (ISIL/Da’esh) affiliates attempting to develop chemical and biological weapons. While noting that such groups have not yet overcome the technical challenges involved, it said extremist publications continue to circulate instructions for manufacturing toxic agents.

NIA Probe Named AQIS-Linked Operatives
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had earlier filed a 7,500-page chargesheet against 10 accused in connection with the Red Fort blast.

According to the investigation, the accused were linked to Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH), a designated offshoot of AQIS. The NIA said several members of the module, including medical professionals, had been radicalised and were actively working to revive the organisation’s network in India.

Investigators alleged that the explosion was carried out using Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP), a highly volatile explosive that the accused allegedly manufactured after secretly procuring chemicals and conducting repeated experiments.

The probe further revealed that the terror module was planning to expand its operations beyond Delhi into other parts of the country.

AQIS and its affiliates were designated as terrorist organisations by the Union Home Ministry in 2018. The latest UNSC assessment reinforces international concerns over the group’s evolving operational capabilities and regional ambitions.