NEW DELHI: A UN report on the global terror threat from Islamic State (ISIS) and al-Qaida has stated that al-Qaida in Indian Subcontinent comprises between 150 and 200 members from India, including a significant number from Karnataka and Kerala, besides persons from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Myanmar.
It also states that the AQIS is reportedly planning attacks in the region. The 26th report of UN analytical support and sanctions monitoring team concerning ISIS, al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities, released on July 23, cites a member state’s account that IS Indian affiliate (Wilayah Hind), announced in May 2019, has “significant numbers of ISIL operatives in Kerala & Karnataka”.
Sharing its assessment on the impact of the Covid-19 on terror activities of the ISIS and al-Qaida, the monitoring team said curbs imposed by member-states had limited freedom of movement and disrupted terrorist planning.
“Restrictions on international travel significantly constrain terrorist mobility, networking and finance-related activity,” the UN report said.