Red Fort Blast: UNSC Report Links Attack to AQIS Network
- By Thetripurapost Desk, New Delhi
- Aug 13, 2026
- 136
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has attributed the deadly November 2025 blast near Delhi's Red Fort to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), according to its latest Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team assessment.
The development is significant because an earlier UNSC assessment had pointed towards Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in connection with the same attack. The latest report therefore adds a fresh dimension to the investigation into the 2025 Red Fort blast.
The explosion on November 10, 2025, caused multiple casualties and triggered a major security investigation in the national capital. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) subsequently took charge of the probe and alleged links between the accused and AQIS.
UNSC Identifies AQIS as Red Fort Blast Network
The 38th report of the UN monitoring mechanism describes AQIS as an evolving regional terrorist network that increasingly relies on small, decentralised cells instead of operating through large formations.
The assessment also indicates that the organisation has developed independent mechanisms for logistics and financing, allowing its networks to function through smaller operational units.
The latest UN assessment specifically connects AQIS with the Red Fort terror attack, making the organisation's activities in South Asia a renewed security concern.
AQIS Attempting to Establish Terror Cells in Bangladesh
One of the major concerns highlighted in the assessment is AQIS's reported effort to establish operational cells in Bangladesh.
The development has raised concerns about the possible expansion of the group's regional footprint. According to the assessment, AQIS is no longer functioning merely as a fragmented extremist organisation but is attempting to strengthen a broader network across South Asia.
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The reported Bangladesh activity could have wider implications for regional counter-terrorism agencies, particularly because AQIS has historically maintained an operational focus on the Indian subcontinent.
Al-Qaeda Networks Pursuing Chemical and Biological Capabilities
The UNSC assessment also warns about continuing efforts by Al-Qaeda and Islamic State-linked groups to develop capabilities involving chemical and biological agents.
The report says extremist networks continue to circulate information related to toxic substances through online platforms. However, producing such weapons on a significant scale remains technically difficult.
The assessment also refers to online material involving dangerous substances and notes that ISIL-K has circulated information relating to ricin, a highly toxic substance, during the past year.
AQIS Was Established in 2014
Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent, commonly known as AQIS, was announced in September 2014 by then Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri.
The organisation was created with the stated objective of expanding Al-Qaeda's influence across countries including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
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US counter-terrorism assessments have identified Afghanistan as an important area of AQIS activity, while the group's networks have also been reported in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
AQIS has historically relied on smaller cells and has been associated with attacks, assassinations, ambushes and suicide operations. The United States designated AQIS as a foreign terrorist organisation in 2016.
Why the UNSC Report Matters in the Red Fort Case
The UN Security Council's 1267 sanctions framework monitors organisations and individuals associated with Al-Qaeda and Islamic State networks.
The monitoring mechanism assesses information provided by member states and other sources concerning terrorist organisations, including their financing, leadership, operational structures and international networks.
UN sanctions can include measures such as travel restrictions, arms embargoes and freezing of financial assets.
The latest assessment is therefore important to the Red Fort investigation because it provides an international counter-terrorism assessment linking the 2025 attack to AQIS.
NIA Charge Sheet Also Points to AQIS Links
The National Investigation Agency has separately alleged AQIS connections in its investigation into the Red Fort blast.
The agency filed a charge sheet running into thousands of pages against 11 accused persons. The prosecution case reportedly includes statements from hundreds of witnesses.
Investigators have alleged that the accused were associated with Sar Ghazwat-ul-Hind and AQIS.
The NIA probe further alleged that some of the accused had medical backgrounds and had been influenced by extremist ideology. Investigators said the network was subsequently reorganised and began recruiting members and preparing explosive materials.
Investigation Focused on Explosive Manufacturing and Weapons
According to the NIA's investigation, the accused allegedly manufactured the explosive material used in the attack themselves.
Investigators also examined the alleged procurement of weapons and other equipment, including assault rifles, while probing possible experimentation involving drones and improvised explosive devices.
The agency has arrested 11 people in connection with the case, while investigations into other suspects are continuing.
Red Fort Blast Shook Delhi in November 2025
A powerful explosion struck the area near Delhi's historic Red Fort on November 10, 2025, prompting an immediate security response across the National Capital Region.
The blast damaged nearby vehicles and surrounding structures and resulted in deaths and injuries.
Security agencies initially examined the possibility of a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. Delhi was subsequently placed on heightened security alert, while forensic and counter-terrorism teams examined the blast site.
The investigation was later transferred to the National Investigation Agency, which began examining the wider network allegedly connected to the attack.
What the Latest UNSC Finding Means
The latest UN assessment places AQIS at the centre of the international counter-terrorism narrative surrounding the 2025 Red Fort blast.
More importantly, the report's warning about AQIS efforts to build cells in Bangladesh indicates that investigators are not viewing the organisation's activities solely through the lens of one attack.
The combination of the UNSC assessment and the NIA's earlier investigation is likely to intensify scrutiny of AQIS networks, their financing channels and their activities across South Asia
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