Al-Qaida-Linked Group Behind 2025 Red Fort Blast That Killed 11: UN Report

A new UN monitoring report has officially attributed the November 2025 Red Fort attack in Delhi to Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), adding to concerns over the group's growing reach across South Asia.

The finding is part of the 38th report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team submitted to the UN Security Council's 1267 Sanctions Committee. The report said AQIS had grown from a fragmented group into a regional terrorist organisation, using small, scattered cells and building logistics and financial networks. It also flagged concerns that AQIS could be trying to establish cells in Bangladesh.

The attack took place on November 10, 2025, when a vehicle borne explosive device went off near the Red Fort. The NIA says 11 people were killed and several others injured.

The latest UN finding is notable because an earlier monitoring report had cited information from a member state pointing to a possible Jaish e Mohammed link to the attack. The new report now records the attack as officially attributed to AQIS.

The development comes as India's National Investigation Agency continues its case. The NIA filed a 7,500 page chargesheet against 10 accused in May and added three more in June, taking the total to 13. The agency has linked the accused to Ansar Ghazwat ul Hind, which it describes as an AQIS offshoot.

The NIA has identified Dr Umer Un Nabi as the main perpetrator. He died in the blast. It has also named absconding paediatrician Muzafar Ahmad as an alleged prime architect of the conspiracy and obtained a non-bailable warrant against him. These remain allegations before the court.

The case is before the Rouse Avenue Court, which is expected to consider the chargesheet on August 27. The court has asked the NIA to provide details of the alleged role of each accused.