Indian intelligence agencies are trying to gather specific intelligence inputs on possible terror activities that may be linked to the security threats issued by the global terror outfit Al-Qaeda following the United States' move to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
Sources in the security establishment said that they are keeping a close tab on the threats issued through social media channels by Al-Qaeda and its purported India cell – Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind – which claims to be the Indian face of Al-Qaeda in Kashmir. Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind is headed by rebel Hizbul Mujahideen leader Zakir Musa.
“The decision (recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel) of the Trump government is surely going to agitate the Arab world. Other than Saudi Arabia which is close to the US, the rest will be outraged. While on one hand America says it wants peace, it has taken a step that will disturb the peace. It’s an outrageous step which may have security implications elsewhere. But India may not be affected since it does not have any direct implication for the country,” A.S. Dulat, former Chief of R&AW told THE WEEK.
Musa's outfit has been tapping those extremists in the Valley who no longer want to show allegiance to the Pakistan based terror outfits, but continue to fight for the liberation of Kashmir. However, the outfit has not been able to draw huge numbers so far. But the aggressive stance taken by the outfit against the US move has sprung the intelligence agencies on their feet with security sources saying that their ability to draw support from the global terror outfit cannot be completely ignored.
Officials in the home ministry said that all vital installations and establishments of the US and other countries are under constant vigil of Indian security agencies post 9/11 strike.
“We are trying to gather specific intelligence inputs related to the threats issued by the terror outfits. It is not the first time they have issued such threats, rather it is a reiteration of their claims. However, in the wake of the renewed threats, all steps will be taken by the security agencies to thwart any nefarious designs of terror groups and other inimical elements to carry out any subversive activities,'' an official said.
Two days after Al-Qaeda came out with its threat on December 6 saying that, “Jihad is the way” against the blatant aggression by the crusader Trump government, Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind issued a direct threat to attack US establishments saying that muslims across the world should attack and harm US and Israeli embassies, companies, financial and commercial interests. It said that Muslims no matter where, should restore the honour of Bayt al-Maqdis (Jerusalem). In a letter it said that ''muslim lands have been corrupted'' by criminal governments and it would not allow the US government and its President to dishonour the sacred land. ''It is for this reason that urgency must be shown to demolish and burn the embassies of America and Israel,'' it said adding that the recognition of Bayt al-Maqdis as the capital of Israel by America is only another revelation of the true face of the 'Taghoot' America. “America has already revealed itself in Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia and other Muslim lands. The issue is not one of any tribe, nationality or state, rather it is an issue of the soul of Islam,'' it said.
