New Delhi, Aug. 13: A United Nations monitoring report has linked the November 2025 attack on Delhi’s Red Fort to Al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), warning that the outfit is evolving into a regional terrorist organisation with expanding financial and logistical networks across South Asia.
The assessment appears in the 38th report of the UN Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, submitted to the UN Security Council committee responsible for monitoring sanctions related to the Islamic State, Al-Qaida and associated groups. The report identifies AQIS as an organisation that has shifted from a fragmented structure to a more decentralised regional network.
According to the report, AQIS has established financial and logistics networks while increasingly operating through small, dispersed cells rather than large organised units. It states that the November 2025 attack on Delhi’s Red Fort was officially attributed to AQIS.
The report also raises concerns about the group’s potential expansion into neighbouring countries. It notes apprehensions among member states that AQIS may attempt to exploit Bangladesh to establish operational cells.
The UN assessment places these developments within what it describes as a worsening security environment in South Asia. While stating that the overall global terrorist threat remains broadly unchanged, the report says terrorism has intensified in the Sahel region and South Asia.
It further observes that tensions continue to remain high due to cross-border attacks between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The report alleges that the Taliban authorities continue to support Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), whose escalating attacks against Pakistan have led to military exchanges. At the same time, it notes that the Taliban deny providing sanctuary to terrorist organisations.
The report says member states remain concerned that the ongoing conflict could create opportunities for extremist groups and generate additional security challenges across the region. It also states that the continued ability of multiple terrorist organisations to operate from Afghanistan poses a persistent threat to neighbouring countries and Central Asia.
According to the report, AQIS forms the backbone of Ittihad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan, which has reportedly carried out several attacks. It further states that AQIS leaders are believed to remain in Kabul and have reportedly received Afghan identity documents, indicating what the report describes as close cooperation between the Taliban and the organisation.
The report also says Al-Qaida has provided ideological guidance, training and support to the TTP. It notes that in April, Al-Qaida’s official media outlet publicly expressed support for the Taliban and, for the first time, endorsed TTP operations against Pakistan.
The UN Security Council’s sanctions framework against Islamic State and Al-Qaida operates under resolutions adopted since 1999. The Monitoring Team submits independent assessments every six months to assist member states in evaluating terrorist threats and implementing sanctions, including asset freezes, travel bans and arms embargoes.
