New Delhi, February 21, 2026 (IANS) — Intelligence agencies have warned that Lashkar-e-Tayyiba is preparing a series of attacks across India using locally recruited cells, with Delhi identified as the group’s first high-profile target. The agencies say the militants are setting up “homegrown modules” in states including Haryana, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, aiming to carry out coordinated, localized strikes as retaliation for last year’s Operation Sindoor.
Officials told IANS the shift to domestic modules follows heavy losses suffered by Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad during Operation Sindoor, which degraded their manpower and infrastructure. An Intelligence Bureau official said the group “wants to make a big announcement,” and believes striking the national capital would serve both propaganda and revenge objectives.
Sources compared the planned attacks to the Jaish-inspired Faridabad module that earlier attempted a strike near the Red Fort. Investigations found that the Faridabad cell had stockpiled large quantities of ammonium nitrate and that the suicide bomber, identified as Umar Nabi, detonated his device in a vehicle near the monument after the module was exposed. Police had seized about 2,900 kilograms of ammonium nitrate when that cell was busted.
Agencies say the new Lashkar modules being formed in North India are intended to be larger and capable of simultaneous operations. While the cells would rely on local recruits and on-the-ground fundraising inside India, command and direction would come from Lashkar handlers in Pakistan, albeit with limited direct involvement. Intelligence units are monitoring several charities and other networks suspected of being used to raise funds, and are also tracking movements of ammonium nitrate and other explosive precursors.
Communications for the modules are expected to be routed through sympathizers in Jammu and Kashmir, and authorities are not ruling out the use of over-ground workers there to facilitate logistics and recruitment. Another official said both Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Tayyiba are under pressure: repeated attempts to infiltrate India from launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have failed, prompting the groups to pursue domestic cells. The official estimated some 100 to 150 infiltration attempts have been foiled since Operation Sindoor.
Intelligence agencies say they are maintaining heightened surveillance and following multiple leads to disrupt fundraising, communications and the acquisition of explosive materials as they work to prevent any planned attacks.
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/revenge-plot-after-op-sindoor-let-setting-up-local-modules-across-north-india-planning-attacks
Category: India
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Publish Date: 2026-02-21 12:38:00
