New Delhi, May 18: Indian intelligence agencies are closely monitoring the activities of Al-Qaeda-linked organizations amid concerns over the resurgence of Ansar al-Islam (AAI). This group was established in Iraq in 2021 and initially fought against secular Kurdish factions and the U.S.-led coalition.
Although the Iraqi structure of AAI has largely disintegrated, its Bangladesh-based wing, Ansarulllah Bangla Team (ABT), is showing signs of renewed activity.
An intelligence bureau official stated that currently, ABT is not very active on the ground. It is deliberately maintaining a “low-profile” strategy to avoid drawing attention. However, the organization’s online activities are robust, targeting Indians for recruitment.
According to the official, ABT is closely coordinating with its Pakistani counterpart, AAI Pakistan. Both organizations are working together to enhance recruitment efforts, with a primary focus on India. Their history is marked by violent and extremist activities.
Another official noted that ABT poses a greater threat than AAI Pakistan. Following stringent crackdowns in Bangladesh, ABT’s ground activities have become limited, pushing it to operate more through online channels. Its recruitment strategy in India is aligned with this approach.
Officials indicate that ABT aims to replicate the model it used in Bangladesh within India. The goal is to establish a network of individuals who can allegedly target “anti-Islam” figures, such as secular writers, intellectuals, and eventually political entities.
Sources reveal that ABT’s objective in India is not to create traditional terrorist modules for bombings or large-scale attacks. Instead, it seeks to radicalize and recruit individuals capable of carrying out targeted killings independently, favoring solitary actions over organized group efforts.
ABT remains loyal to Al-Qaeda, adopting its ideology and the writings of Osama bin Laden in its recruitment campaigns.
Additionally, the organization plans to launch extensive propaganda campaigns in India, primarily focusing on West Bengal. It may exaggerate issues like infiltration by spreading fake images and false narratives to incite violence.
Officials assert that ABT has not yet fully activated its operations in India, viewing the situation as a “testing the waters” phase. Intelligence agencies continue to monitor its online activities closely.
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