ISIS wants LeT to execute India operations

Having failed to make any significant inroads in India, terror outfit Islamic State (ISIS) is now trying to coordinate with subversive groups within the country, particularly Lashkar-e-Tayeeba, to carry out major terror strikes. According to a recent alert issued by the Intelligence Bureau’s multi-agency centre on counter-terrorism, which has been accessed by this newspaper, “ISIS is desperate to make its presence in India and for this purpose is trying to co-ordinate with LeT to outsource some of its operations”.

According to the classified note, while the ISIS would plan the entire operation, it wants the Lashkar to execute it. Such an operation may also be in the form of a “lone wolf attack” on a high profile target.

“Such a high-profile attack will help ISIS mark its presence in the country as it would claim responsibility for it and, in the process, attract youth into joining its cadre,” it further adds. The alert has been based on “intelligence inputs collected from multiple sources”.

Security agencies have been closely monitoring developments related to ISIS within the country, specially after the emergence of a recent video where some of the Indian recruits are seen issuing a threat to carry out attacks in the country. So far, the main medium for radicalisation and recruitment being adopted by ISIS is the cyber space and social media. But, with Indian security agencies closely monitoring the cyber space for any suspicious activities, the ISIS is now trying to rope in local terror groups to execute its plans.