India: Anti-terror forces arrest militants planning attacks in New Delhi Dec. 26

Event

On Wednesday, December 26, security forces conducted a large anti-terrorist operation in 17 different locations (including in the capital city New Delhi and in the Uttar Pradesh state) to neutralize a cell of radical militants planning to carry out attacks on the occasion of the celebration of the Republic day on January 26. The militants inspired by the Islamic State (IS) terror group reportedly intended to carry out bombings and target prominent political figures. Ten were arrested and explosives, weapons were recovered.

Context

For decades, terrorists of different kind carry out attacks on the Indian territory. Ten years ago, in November 2008 terrorists attacked a number of sites in Mumbai, including luxury hotels, a railway station, a religious site, and a restaurant. Over 160 people were killed (including about thirty tourists and foreign businessmen) and more than 300 were injured.

Advice

Individuals in India are advised to remain vigilant particularly when visiting sites deemed likely to be targeted in an attack (airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners etc.). Report any suspicious behaviour to the authorities or the police.