ISIL-K Plotting Attacks in India, Special Plan for Recruitment, UN Report Reveals
Pune, 31st July 2024: The United Nations has revealed that the terrorist group Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-Khorasan (ISIL-K) is planning to recruit fighters in India for independent attacks. The report indicates that ISIL-K aims to recruit local leaders despite failing to execute large-scale attacks. The number of ISIL-K fighters has reportedly increased from 4,000 to 6,000, according to member states.
The UN’s 34th report from the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team on ISIL, Al-Qaeda, and associated entities highlights concerns over terrorism originating from Afghanistan, which could destabilize the region. The report reveals that ISIL-K is focusing on recruiting individuals who can conduct lone-wolf attacks in India. To promote its strategy and incite Hindu-Muslim hatred, ISIL-K has released an Urdu booklet.
ISIL-K is considered the most severe threat, spreading terror beyond Afghanistan. In contrast, Al-Qaeda is maintaining strategic restraint and prioritizing its relationship with the Taliban. The report notes increased cooperation among terrorist organizations, including Tehrik-e-Taliban (TTP), the Taliban, and Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). These groups are sharing fighters and training camps in Afghanistan, leading to more lethal attacks under the banner of Tehrik-e-Jihad Pakistan (TJP).
Member states have expressed concern over the growing number of ISIL-K fighters, which they estimate has risen from 4,000 to 6,000. This increase underscores the escalating threat posed by ISIL-K in the region and highlights the need for enhanced counter-terrorism measures and international cooperation to address this challenge effectively.
