New Delhi, September 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) is attempting to rebuild its operational capabilities in Afghanistan while expanding its recruitment and radicalisation efforts in India, according to security officials.
Officials said the outfit, which suffered major losses following the elimination of several senior leaders, has been rebuilding its presence in Afghanistan. Reports indicate that it has established eight bases there over the past three years, with the facilities being used for training, including instruction related to weapons and explosives.
Some of the camps are also reportedly providing training in areas such as artificial intelligence, drone operations and encryption, an Intelligence Bureau official said. The developments pose security concerns for both India and Afghanistan, the official added.
The AQIS rebuilding effort comes alongside increased activity by its rival, the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). Officials warned that competition between the two extremist organisations could further destabilise the region.
In India, security agencies have detected a renewed AQIS effort to recruit and radicalise young people through digital platforms. Officials said the organisation has been focusing on states including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Kerala, with Uttar Pradesh currently emerging as a major area of concern.
The AQIS was formed with a stated focus on operations against India and has also shown sustained interest in the Kashmir issue, including attempts to establish units there. Its early network in Uttar Pradesh benefited from the links of its former leadership to the state. Maulana Asim Sheikh Umar, who headed the outfit’s operations when it was launched, was from Sambhal, while his associate Mohammad Usman also hailed from Uttar Pradesh.
Officials said AQIS initially concentrated heavily on digital activities, using online material intended to promote armed jihad against the Indian state and facilitate recruitment.
The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad last week arrested 19-year-old Mohammad Nabil from Azamgarh, alleging that he was an AQIS operative involved in circulating jihadist content and attempting to establish contact with potential recruits. The UP ATS said he was particularly focused on connecting with people in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to officials, AQIS is seeking to maintain an operational base in Afghanistan while developing a wider digital network in India aimed at radicalisation, disinformation and recruitment.
Counter-terrorism experts said the development adds to an already complex security environment, with India facing threats from groups including Jaish-e-Mohammad, Lashkar-e-Tayiba, Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami and Ansarullah Bangla Team. The Islamic State has also expanded its ideological outreach in parts of the country.
Experts noted that AQIS released a video featuring Osama bin Laden’s son, Hamza bin Laden, around the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, describing it as an attempt to project a prominent figure who could aid its recruitment efforts.
Officials also pointed to longstanding links between Al-Qaeda and Pakistan-sponsored terrorist organisations. They cited the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, alleging that Ilyas Kashmiri, then head of Al-Qaeda’s 313 Brigade, had worked with David Headley and Lashkar-e-Tayiba operatives in connection with the planning and execution of the attacks.
Security officials have warned that a resurgent AQIS could potentially provide additional support to Pakistan-based terrorist groups for attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. Against this backdrop, agencies are closely monitoring the activities and networks of terrorist organisations operating in and around the region.
FOLLOW NOW
