New Delhi – A United Nations counter-terrorism report has linked Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) to the deadly attack at Delhi’s historic Red Fort, raising new concerns over the group’s evolving strategies, including the formation of a women-only wing to support terrorist operations.
The Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team submitted the findings to the UN Security Council, citing that JeM claimed responsibility for several attacks and was connected to the 9 November assault on the Red Fort, which left 15 people dead. The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbol of India’s sovereignty, has long been regarded as a high-value target.
The report highlighted that on 8 October, JeM leader Masood Azhar formally announced the creation of a women-only unit, Jamaat ul-Muminat, aimed at facilitating terrorist activities. Analysts said this reflects a broader trend among extremist organisations that seek to expand their networks and evade scrutiny by involving women in operational and support roles.
Founded in 2000, JeM has been linked to multiple high-profile attacks in India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. Masood Azhar, the group’s leader, has been under UN sanctions for years, including travel bans and asset freezes.
The UN team also noted divergent assessments from member states regarding JeM’s current operational status, with some declaring it active and dangerous while others suggested it was defunct. This discrepancy underscores ongoing intelligence gaps in counter-terrorism efforts across South Asia.
The report further situates JeM within a complex regional terrorist landscape, where militant groups exploit instability and cross-border networks to regroup, rebrand, and launch attacks. Despite sustained counter-terrorism efforts, the UN warns that these groups remain adaptive, posing a continuing threat to regional and international security.
