Al-Qaida offshoot AQIS behind Red Fort blast in 2025: UNSC report confirms

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has officially identified Al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) as the perpetrator behind the November 2025 blast near Delhi's Red Fort, according to its 38th Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team report. Eleven individuals lost their lives in the attack, which took place on November 10 of that year.

Over the years, AQIS has transformed from a fragmented group into a regional terrorist entity, establishing logistics and financial networks while operating in small, scattered cells. The assessment marks a significant shift from earlier attribution to the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The explosion occurred around 7 pm, as a moving Hyundai i20 caught fire near the iconic monument.

Umar-e-Nabi was identified as the driver and suspected of carrying out the suicide bombing. The UNSC report also raised concerns over the activities and capabilities of Al-Qaida and Islamic State (ISIL/Da'esh) affiliates, noting their interest in developing chemical and biological weapons, though they have yet to overcome the technical challenges.