Red Fort Blast Probe Reveals Rift Between ISIS and Al-Qaeda Supporters in Terror Module

Many shocking facts have come to light in the investigation of the Red Fort blast case. The investigating agencies said that the terrorist members of this module were not inspired by just one organization or one ideology. There were serious differences of opinion within the group regarding the ideology of ISIS and Al-Qaeda, which later led to distrust and tension between them.

Why did the ideologies of ISIS and Al-Qaeda clash?

Investigation has revealed that Umar Nabi, considered the mastermind of the module, considered himself close to the ISIS line. He believed that small but frequent attacks in India advance ISIS's strategy and help the organization garner local support. Other members of the group believed in a long-term strategy like Al-Qaeda. Their focus was on major attacks, showing their presence at the international level and connecting with global terror networks. This ideological difference gradually turned into factionalism.

How did the dispute increase regarding funds and resources?

Investigating officers said that the differences were not limited to ideology alone. There were also serious complaints regarding funding and use of money. It is alleged that Umar Nabi did not maintain transparency in the management of the fund and hid information about the expenses from the other members.

Many questions were also raised regarding the amount collected through another accused, Shaheen Shahid Ansari. This amount was to be used for the module's women's network and social media recruitment campaign, but the actual direction of the expenditure was not clear. This increased confusion and distrust among the members.

How did the process of preparing IEDs and explosives come to light?

Investigation has also revealed that Umar was doing research on making IEDs for the last several months. Several electronic circuits, wires, batteries, and control units were recovered at his instance. The group had earlier planned to go to Afghanistan and receive training there, but after not being successful, they decided to attack in India itself. Meanwhile, a meeting of the group was held in the Qazigund Valley of Kashmir, in which Omar tried to convince the remaining members. A few weeks later there was an explosion in Delhi.

Does this case show a new picture of the terrorist network?

This incident has clearly shown that terrorist organizations are not always unanimous. Many times there is a conflict going on within them regarding ideologies, economic management, and strategies. This is an important indication for the investigating agencies that the internal cracks of the terrorist module can sometimes provide an opportunity to prevent major attacks.